The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) has introduced a policy document aimed at promoting healthier diets among children and adolescents in India. The document, entitled ‘Priority Policy Actions to Promote Healthier Diets and Food Environments for Children and Adolescents in India,’ was launched on July 22, 2026, during a seminar held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.

Dr M Srinivas, a member of NITI Aayog focused on health, unveiled the document during the ‘Let’s Fix Our Food’ (LFOF) Dissemination and Consultation Workshop. Key figures in attendance included Dr Bharati Kulkarni, Director of ICMR-NIN, and K Srinath Reddy, founder president of the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). Representatives from various government and international organisations also participated in the event.

This initiative aims to create a national framework for improving dietary habits and food environments for younger populations. Through a collective effort involving research, advocacy, and engagement with stakeholders, the Consortium aims to combat diet-related non-communicable diseases in India.

Key Recommendations for Healthier Food Environments

The policy document encapsulates nearly three years of collaborative research and consultations, outlining evidence-based recommendations addressing critical areas. These recommendations focus on enhancing healthy school food environments, improving nutrition literacy, regulating marketing of unhealthy foods aimed at children, and implementing taxes on foods high in fats, sugars, and salt (HFSS).

Additionally, the document discusses strategies for promoting healthy dietary fats, reducing salt intake, and utilising low-sodium salt substitutes. Social and behaviour change communication methods are also highlighted to engage youth in adopting healthier eating habits effectively.

Experts participating in the launch emphasised that the recommendations are essential for creating an environment conducive to healthier dietary practices among children and adolescents. They noted the importance of multisectoral policy actions that can effectively address the rising incidence of obesity and related health issues in the country.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Actions

During the workshop, several educational resources were introduced, including the Nutrition Environment Assessment Toolkit for Schools (NEAT-S) and a suite of resources developed by ICMR-NIN aimed at enhancing nutrition literacy. These initiatives are geared towards providing practical tools for schools to foster healthier food environments.

Marie-Claude Desilets, Chief of Nutrition at UNICEF India, remarked on the dual challenge of undernutrition and rising obesity, underscoring the need for adaptable and effective food environments. The policy priorities are seen as a step forward towards creating spaces where children can thrive and realise their potential.

Syed Imran Farooq, Executive Director of Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), indicated the necessity of regulating dietary intake of salt, fat, and sugar while supporting legislative measures for healthier food frameworks. He reaffirmed RTSL’s commitment to collaborating with partners including ICMR-NIN towards achieving these objectives.

The conversation centred on translating emerging evidence into actionable policies that can promote healthier food environments for young people. The LFOF Consortium is dedicated to supporting evidence-based initiatives that can proactively address the pressing issue of diet-related non-communicable diseases in India.

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