What’s “Label Padhega India” Campaign?

Recently many top FMCG companies investing in the Indian food industry haven’t been true to their claims with regards to the ingredients used in the product and its nutritional value leading to food scams such as the recent Nestle Baby Milk Controversy.  This was brought into highlight by Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as ‘FOOD PHARMER’ since his video discussing Bournvita’s high sugar content and its potential impact on children’s health went viral and was hitting thousands of likes, views gaining national recognition on 1^st of April 2023. Post that he recently announced a ‘Health Movement’ named “LABEL PADHEGA INDIA” on 11^th of May 2024, all set to spread awareness over the content of the food products consumed daily by us. He launched this campaign with the caption stating “Label Padhega India out on 11^th May! It’s time for this “Health Movement” to transform into a “Health Revolution.” It is a ground-breaking plan aiming at educating Indian consumers on the vital need to read food labels. With the rapid growth of India’s food sector and the increasing availability of a varied range of packaged food products, consumers must be careful about their food choices. 

At its roots, “Label Padhega India” aims to debunk the often complicated and misleading information contained in food packaging. The campaign springs from persistent concerns about food quality in India, ranging from misleading content in health drinks, the usage of hazardous oils in snacks, and carcinogenic claims regarding masala products.

Many people are unaware of the nutritional value, additives, preservatives, and possible allergens in their food. By delivering unambiguous information, the food pharmer bridges the knowledge gap and promotes healthy eating habits across the country. He has always emphasized fresh meals over pre-packaged items. The educational content offered by the campaign has enabled consumers to make sensible choices. According to surveys conducted by food pharmer, 60% of participants now read product labels before purchasing, up from 20% previous to the start of the initiative. Furthermore, the campaign has created an upstream impact, motivating other organizations and governments to take note. This movement encourages Indians to read food labels to challenge marketing gimmicks and promote higher-quality packaged meals. The ultimate goal is to make India into the global health capital. 

To propagate his message, Himatsingka has tapped celebrities such as Namita Thapar, as well as influencers such as Ankur Wairkoo. This is helping increase attention to the need to understand what truly goes into our food. To further engage and motivate participants, the food Pharmer will give away gifts and personal visits to over 100 who will actively participate in the challenge. This will build a community that strives for better food choices. 

His ongoing probes have shown discrepancies in product quality and marketing tactics across major FMCG companies in India. Following his exposés, companies such as Lay’s have been replacing unhealthy palm oil in their products in India, mirroring their healthier practices globally. Furthermore, global data have backed his assertions regarding high sugar levels in baby foods sold in developing nations, spurring calls for change.  The FOOD PHARMER has also called out brands like Maggi for making false nutritional claims, such as equating the fibre content of their atta noodles to three rotis, which he thinks is highly overstated. As far as  Bournvita’s excessive sugar content is concerned it was challenged and resulted in lawsuits, but it also prompted a reduction in sugar in their products.

His goal is not to change consumer habits but to begin a new trend of health consciousness in the nation. The purpose of Label Padhega India is to initiate discussions and actions. Eventually, this campaign has the power to revolutionize the Indian food market. It may result in a change where openness and accountability are critical while making or distributing edibles thus prompting customers to go for more improved preferences than they would rather have made. Overall, with this effort serving as an impetus for positive change, there seems to be a clear future of food transparency in India. The food revolution led by food pharmer is more than just a campaign. So let’s join the movement and promise to read the labels–because we can! #labelpadhegaindia reads better India.