In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora criticised the Union government’s approach to regulating Indian street food, urging it to apply the same health and nutrition standards to multinational fast-food chains like McDonald's, Domino's, and others that serve burgers, pizzas, and doughnuts.

“If the government wants to put regulations on jalebi and samosa, then burgers, pizzas, and doughnuts should be regulated too,” Deora said, speaking to news agency ANI. “If we regulate small street vendors selling samosas, then eateries like McDonald’s should also be regulated.”

His remarks come at a time when the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken a stronger stand against unhealthy food consumption amid rising obesity rates and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India.

Obesity: A Social and Economic Concern

Deora acknowledged the government’s efforts, specifically praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching a national-level anti-obesity campaign. He called the issue of obesity “imminent and serious,” both socially and economically.

“Obesity is a big issue in India, and it is about to become a social and economic crisis,” Deora said. “I want to thank PM Modi for launching an anti-obesity campaign. But the policy shouldn’t be selective. If street food is being regulated, we must also examine the influence of Western junk food on Indian health.”

He cited America as an example, pointing out that it has long battled obesity, often blamed on the proliferation of quick service restaurants (QSRs). According to Deora, such Western lifestyle imports are increasingly prevalent in Indian cities and must be scrutinised with the same urgency as traditional foods.

Pushback Against Targeting Only Indian Snacks

The Health Ministry's latest move involves directing all central ministries, public departments, and government institutions to display “Oil and Sugar Boards.” These would function similarly to tobacco warnings, listing oil and sugar content in food items consumed in government spaces such as canteens and offices.

While this might appear as a well-meaning health campaign, Deora argues that the burden of regulation cannot fall solely on street vendors and Indian food culture. His comments indicate that the government’s food safety policies should reflect nutritional science, not cultural bias.

Equal Regulation for Western Junk Food

Deora emphasised that his Parliamentary committee has been in conversation with the FSSAI and the Ministry of Health to ensure balanced food regulation. He confirmed that a report is currently being prepared and will be presented during the ongoing Parliamentary session.

“Foreign junk food should be regulated equally to Indian junk food. America’s biggest challenge is obesity, and multinational quick service restaurants bring Western culture into India, with obesity as a major byproduct,” Deora said.

Policy Background: Anti-Obesity Measures Gaining Momentum

The government’s food regulation plan is part of a larger public health initiative. Prime Minister Modi, during the 38th National Games in Dehradun (January 2025), had reiterated his call under the “Fit India” movement, urging citizens to adopt healthier and more active lifestyles.

This was followed by his Mann Ki Baat radio address, where he called for a 10% reduction in obesity nationwide, setting the tone for subsequent administrative efforts to curb unhealthy dietary practices.

Following this, the Ministry of Health issued a directive proposing visual nutrition boards and suggesting that even canteen menus in government buildings should favour fruits, vegetables, and low-fat items over deep-fried or sugar-heavy foods.

Public Response and Political Implications

The issue has ignited public debate, especially over whether traditional Indian street food is being unfairly singled out. Critics say deep cultural attachment to items like samosa, jalebi, pakoras, and vada pav makes such regulations emotionally charged.

Deora’s intervention has added weight to this criticism by calling for a level playing field in food safety regulation, one that includes both small vendors and billion-dollar food chains. His remarks may also strike a chord with political observers who note that such health directives are sometimes used to scapegoat Indian street food culture while letting multinational brands operate with fewer checks.

A Broader Cultural Question: Whose Food Is “Junk”?

The regulatory focus on traditional foods like samosas, jalebis, pakoras, and vada pav has also opened a broader cultural debate. Many believe India’s indigenous food practices are being painted with the same brush as ultra-processed Western foods, even though they differ significantly in how they are made, consumed, and understood within communities.

Moreover, critics argue that if the real concern is calorie intake, saturated fats, and added sugars, then food labelling and portion size control must be applied uniformly to all food vendors and producers, regardless of origin or scale.

Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Food Policy

Milind Deora’s comments underline a pressing need for a comprehensive, science-backed approach to food regulation that doesn’t unfairly penalise small businesses or local food traditions. As India grapples with the challenge of rising obesity, equity in regulation must become central to policymaking.

Rather than placing the burden entirely on Indian street vendors, the government must ensure that multinational fast-food giants are subject to similar scrutiny, transparency, and accountability. Only then can India's anti-obesity campaign be seen as truly inclusive, evidence-based, and free of cultural prejudice.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Monika Alcobev, NSDL, Anthem Biosciences, Spunweb Nonwoven.

The Current active IPO are Smartworks Coworking, Asston Pharmaceuticals, CFF Fluid Control.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.