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India’s Economic Survey Urges Daytime Ad Ban on Ultra-Processed Foods

Citing surging sales alongside rising obesity, the report proposes warning labels, child‑marketing limits, higher taxes.

Overview

  • Tabled on Jan. 29, 2026, the survey recommends exploring a 06:00–23:00 prohibition on UPF advertising across television, print, outdoor and digital platforms.
  • It calls for front‑of‑pack warning labels for high‑fat, salt and sugar products, steering away from star‑rating schemes previously floated by regulators.
  • The document urges tighter curbs on child‑targeted promotions and stricter rules for marketing infant and toddler milk and beverages.
  • Higher levies are proposed, including placing qualifying UPFs in the highest GST slab with a surcharge when sugar, salt or fat exceed set thresholds.
  • The survey cites UPF market share growth of 150% since 2009 and retail sales rising from $0.9 billion in 2006 to nearly $38 billion in 2019 alongside increases in overweight and obesity, while noting gaps in India’s ad rules and international examples from Chile, Norway and the UK.