The Indian Food and Beverage Association (IFBA) has termed the growing trend of “No Palm Oil” labels on consumer products as misleading and described it as a marketing gimmick rather than a scientifically backed health claim.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association expressed concern that selective branding tactics were creating confusion among consumers, despite palm oil being widely used and consumed in India since the 19th century.
“Palm oil has a recognised role in a healthy and balanced diet. Despite this, labels such as ‘No Palm Oil’ mislead consumers by prioritising marketing over science,” said Deepak Jolly, Chairperson of the IFBA, citing the Ministry of Health’s dietary guidelines.
The association pointed out that palm oil is among the most affordable and versatile edible oils, used extensively by leading global brands due to its long shelf life and nutritional stability.
It also cautioned that the rise of such labelling practices is encouraging consumers to make food choices based on social media trends rather than verified scientific evidence. “These narratives distract from the importance of overall nutritional balance and can undermine India’s efforts towards self-reliance, ultimately harming farmers, producers, consumers and the national economy,” Jolly said.
India consumes about 26 million tonnes of edible oil every year, of which nearly 9 million tonnes is palm oil.
Shilpa Agrawal, Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at IFBA, noted that the Dietary Guidelines for Indians–2024, released by the ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition, recognise the role of tocotrienols found in palm oil in lowering cholesterol and supporting heart health. The guidelines recommend a rotation of edible oils, including palm oil, to maintain a balanced fatty acid profile, she added.
The association also lauded the government’s National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), launched in 2021 with an outlay of ₹11,040 crore, which aims to expand oil palm cultivation and reduce India’s dependence on edible oil imports.
“Consumers should be cautious of influencers who exaggerate claims without understanding nutrition science. Marketing tactics such as ‘Palm Oil Free’ labels are no substitute for balanced dietary advice,” the IFBA said.
-IANS