Misleading Labels on Transfat in Junk Foods: A CSE Lab Report

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is a public interest research and advocacy organisation based in New Delhi. CSE researches into, lobbies for and communicates the urgency of development that is both sustainable and equitable.

CSE in its latest Lab report lashes out at  all the multinational American Companies like KFC, Mc Donald's, Subway, Nestle (Maggi), Capital foods (Chings Secret Schezwan), Patanjali who run outlets in India and the processed packed food chains like Haldirams (Classic Nut Crackers, Aloo Bhujia), Uncle Chips, Lays, Pepsico (Kurkure masala), ITC (Bingo Mad Angles Delight Achaari masti). etc. An analysis by CSE reports high salt, transfat and fat in all processed packed products which is easy within the reach of small children from the age of 2. An acquired taste within you from the time one starts having these foods. Their analysis revealed misleading labels of transfats in packaged foods. High transfat intake through most of the fast foods, but mention correctly or declare at all.

The  mislabellings may develop a perception that other fats are not healthy, ignores that all fats contribute equally to calorie. These delays in letting the whole world know that this is not safe to eat is not at all addressing the problems of obesity and Diabetes.

Note: Transfat Content of Nestle Maggi Masala, Patanjali Atta Noodles Chatpata, Chings Secret Schezwan and Knorr Classic Tomato Soup were not tested. Figures of the declared transfats values of fast foods have been obtained from company websites. All the companies declare approximate values.