Research warns of health risks from ultra-processed food consumption
A landmark study by the Indian Council of Medical Research tracking over 5 lakh adults across 12 states for a decade has found that individuals consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods — including packaged snacks, instant noodles, soft drinks, and ready-to-eat meals — face a 60% higher risk of developing certain cancers compared to those with minimal consumption.
The study, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, found particularly strong associations between ultra-processed food consumption and colorectal cancer (72% higher risk), breast cancer (48% higher), and oesophageal cancer (55% higher).
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, ICMR Director General, called the findings "a public health wake-up call." He announced that ICMR will recommend mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed foods and seek to have these included in India's upcoming National Cancer Control Plan.
The study controlled for factors including age, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and BMI, making it one of the most rigorous investigations of diet-cancer links in the Indian population.
India's ultra-processed food market has grown at 12% annually over the past decade, driven by urbanisation, rising incomes, and aggressive marketing. The market is currently worth ₹3.5 lakh crore and is projected to double by 2030.
Consumer advocacy groups called for immediate action. "These products are legal but they are harming a generation. The government must act decisively," said Dipa Sinha of the Centre for Equity Studies.
