- FSSAI has banned Dabur from using its '100% natural' product claims.
- Doctors warn that such claims create a false impression of automatic healthiness and a "health halo" based on packaging words.
- The health halo may lead people to believe they can consume larger quantities without worrying about calories, sugar, or fat.
- Dr Singh cautions that natural does not mean risk-free: honey is a concentrated source of free sugars, and large amounts can contribute to weight gain, rising blood sugar levels, and tooth decay.
- Doctors warn that ghee labelled "100% pure" or "100% natural" is not automatically healthy because it is rich in saturated fat and calories; excessive intake may raise cholesterol and contribute to weight gain.
- Doctors say "zero sugar" or "0 calories" claims can be misunderstood, since products may still contain high saturated fat, sodium, refined starches, artificial sweeteners, or calories.
- Consumers are advised to check ingredient lists, total calories, sugar content, saturated fat, sodium levels, and serving size, and to remember that even healthy foods can become unhealthy if eaten in excessive quantities.
The FSSAI's recent ban on misleading food claims like '100% natural' aims to protect consumers from false health perceptions.1
Dr. Amit Prakash Singh from CK Birla Hospital highlights that such labels create a ‘health halo’, leading consumers to overestimate the healthiness of products.3
The FSSAI has raised concerns that claims such as '100% Pure' and 'Zero Calories' can mislead consumers about the nutritional value of packaged foods.
Doctors warn that these labels can encourage overconsumption, as people may believe they can eat more without health consequences.
“A health halo makes consumers believe that a product is healthier simply because of the words printed on the packaging,” Dr. Singh explains.
He cautions that even natural products like honey and ghee can be unhealthy in large amounts, contributing to weight gain and other health issues.
Experts advise consumers to scrutinize ingredient lists and nutrition information rather than relying solely on front-label claims.
“Instead of depending on marketing claims, consumers should check: the ingredient list, total calories per serving, sugar content, saturated fat content, sodium levels, and serving size,” they recommend.
This approach provides a clearer understanding of whether a product fits into a healthy diet, as even healthy foods can become unhealthy when consumed excessively.
“Dr Amit Prakash Singh of CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, cautions that 'natural' does not mean risk-free; honey is a concentrated source of free sugars tied to weight gain and tooth decay. Doctors advise checking ingredient lists, total calories, sugar, saturated fat, sodium and serving size before buying packaged foods.”
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