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Govt holds second meeting to counter misleading publicity on processed foods
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Wednesday, 04 February, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, recently chaired the second meeting of the Committee to counter misleading publicity on processed foods at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The meeting brought together government officials, industry leaders, technical experts, and representatives of key associations to tackle misinformation and myths surrounding processed foods.
Addressing participants, Paswan emphasised that food processing plays a vital role in ensuring food safety, nutrition, reducing wastage, and enhancing farmers’ incomes. He underscored the need to actively address misconceptions about processed foods by deploying science-based communication, transparency, and responsible stakeholder engagement. To strengthen accurate public understanding, the Minister highlighted the importance of leveraging social media influencers, digital platforms, and mass communication channels to build a balanced narrative that reaches all citizens.
The meeting reviewed progress since the committee’s previous session, with Avinash Joshi, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, outlining actions taken so far. These include extensive stakeholder consultations, expert reviews, and the nationwide dissemination of approved Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address public queries and concerns about processed foods.
Joshi reiterated the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to strengthen informed public discourse and curb misleading publicity.
The committee session was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, including the Special Secretary, Joint Secretaries, and other policy and technical representatives. Leaders from eminent regulatory and technical institutions such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) also participated.
In addition, the deliberations were enriched by active participation from major industry associations, including FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, AIFPA, AFSTI and FSNM, as well as senior executives from leading food processing companies. Their involvement highlighted a whole-of-government and whole-of-industry approach in countering misleading publicity, underscoring a shared commitment to promoting credible information on processed foods and preserving consumer trust.
The meeting reaffirmed that accurate communication and collaboration between government, industry, and technical institutions are essential in shaping public perceptions and improving informed choices around processed foods.
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