Impact of adulterants on cooking oils Content Editor: Dr. Shubham May 27, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Food Adulteration, Public Health Laws and Regulations A few of the most common adulterants of cooking oils include: 3-MCPD (3-monochloropropanediol esters) is formed >140^oC in the presence of chloride ions and is known to have a possible effect on kidney & male fertility. GE (Glycidyl Esters) is formed rapidly >220^oC at a long retention time and is genotoxic and carcinogenic and a main for pre-cursor Diacylglycerides (DAG). Trans Fatty Acid is formed rapidly > 240^oC at long retention in deodorizer during processing and selective Hydrogenation. This is the main precursor of unsaturated Fatty Acid and a leading cause of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). These also lead to a rise in trans fat and saturated fat levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reduced trans fatty acid levels in oils and fats to 3% and 2% by 2022, respectively. Hydrolyzed vegetable proteins (HVP) contain dietary contaminants, including GEs and 3-MCPDs. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) states that these contaminants are mainly found in bread, margarine, preserved meats, and vegetable oil. The EFSA sets the tolerable daily intake for 3-MCPDs at 0.002 ppm/kg body weight. However, the FSSAI lists laws for "standards and additives" and "contaminants, toxins, and residues" in a categorical manner, yet it omits to mention GE & 3-MPCD levels. It has developed procedures for determining the adulterants at par in a lab setting. Newer guidelines and regulations are necessary for food control systems, continuous improvement, and assessment, which lead to accountability and complementary benefits. These are based on current trends and recommendations from the Food & Agriculture Association (FAO/WHO) and meetings held at the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Besides this, PepsiCo India said recently that it will be testing an oil blend to replace palm and palm olein oil in Lay's chips. Click here to read more Previous Next

Food safety: A collective responsibility Food safety: A collective responsibility Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 24, 2024 Press Information Bureau Food Safety, Hygiene, Pesticides The FSSAI launched an awareness campaign among the various markets in Delhi. The awareness campaign was launched with a particular focus on the detection and mitigation of pesticide residues. The highlight of the event was the “Food Safety on Wheels” initiative , a mobile lab equipped with rapid testing kits that can help in the detection of pesticide residues. The attendees of the campaign were also sensitized regarding the following: Harmful effects of pesticide residue. Importance of FSSAI licensing or registration. Artificial ripening of fruits and wax coating. Availability of various laboratories for food testing. The event emphasized the importance of collective responsibility with the mantra, “Food safety is everyone’s responsibility.” Click here to read more.

Final verdict: WHO guidelines say Nay to Non-sugar sweeteners for Health Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Rifai May 22, 2023 at 10:47:37 PM Nutrition, Noncommunicable diseases, Diet recommendations, WHO guidelines, non-sugar sweeteners Based on the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis of available evidence (283 studies), WHO suggested that non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) are not to be used as a means of achieving weight control or for reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases. This recommendation applies to all except individuals with pre-existing diabetes and includes all synthetic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners that are not classified as sugars. Common NSS include acesulfame K, aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose; they neither are essential dietary factors nor do they have any nutritional value . Research points out that long-term use of NSS could potentially cause an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults. Previous Next

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : PIB Delhi Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Read More Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 01-10 February, 2024 View More 14-20 January, 2024 View More 19-25th November, 2024 (26) View More 23-31stOctober, 2023 (18) View More 28-31 January, 2024 View More 7-13 January, 2024 View More 5-11th November, 2023 (5) View More 15-21st October, 2023 (12) View More 21-27 January, 2024 View More 26-30th November, 2024 (20) View More 01-04th November, 2023(4) View More 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

India and WHO Partner to Standardise Traditional Health Practices Content Editor: Dr. Shayari June 18, 2025 at 3:42:51 PM AYUSH, Traditional Medicine At the 78th World Health Assembly , India reinforced its commitment to blending traditional medicine with modern healthcare. The nation endorsed the new WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 , promoting an evidence-based approach to global traditional health. India has backed the WHO’s new ten-year plan to strengthen and regulate traditional medicine systems worldwide. A new agreement will create a global classification system for traditional therapies like AYUSH by standardising the treatments, boosting their scientific credibility and recognition India demonstrated its commitment by establishing the WHO’s first-ever Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat. As stated, “these initiatives to integrate safe and effective traditional practices aim to help achieve universal health coverage worldwide”. Previous Next

Regional and Rural Disparities in U.S. Diabetes Prevalence Regional and Rural Disparities in U.S. Diabetes Prevalence Content Editor: Dr. Gurumurthy November 15, 2024 CDC Non-communicable disease, rural-urban disparity A study using data from the 2019–2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) examined diabetes prevalence among 109,558 U.S. adults across census regions (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) and metropolitan statuses (large central metro, large fringe metro, small/medium metro, nonmetro). Diabetes prevalence was determined through self-reported physician diagnosis, and analyses accounted for demographic, socioeconomic, and body weight factors. The highest prevalence (14.8%) was observed in nonmetro counties in the South, while the lowest (7.0%) was recorded in large fringe metro counties in the Northeast. Adults in nonmetro Southern counties had significantly higher odds of diabetes—62% greater compared to those in large central metros —even after adjusting for key variables. Elevated odds were also noted in small and medium metros in the Midwest and Northeast, though these were largely attributed to socioeconomic and weight-related disparities. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health strategies to address diabetes risk, particularly in rural Southern areas where economic, healthcare, and lifestyle challenges are most pronounced. Click here to read more

60% coverage of Tap Water connection in villages' households through Jal Jeevan Mission Content Editor: Dr. Jasmin Nilima Panda April 21, 2023 at 4:22:23 PM Drinking water and Sanitation, Public Health, Jal Jeevan Mission Jal Jeevan Mission, is envisages to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households in India by 2024. Recently the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had expressed his happiness through tweet for 60% coverage of Tap Water connection in villages' households. Through Jal Jeevan Mission, Clean tap water supply to rural families increased from 16.65% (3.23 Cr, 15th Aug 2019) to 60% (11.66Cr, 4th April 2023). Shri Modi ji also stated that they are aiming to increase the coverage to 100% , even in hard-to-reach areas at an increased pace, which will eventually empower several lives. Activities and achievements under the Jal Jeevan Mission, ensuring clean and safe drinking water to rural household are: ‘Swachh Jal Se Suraksha’ Campaign to ensure quality drinking water, from 2nd Oct 2022 to March 31st 2023. An allocation of 70,000 Crores is being made in FY 2023-24 for effective implementation of “Har Ghar Jal” (Amrit Kaal Budget) Internet of Things (IoT) based solution for smart monitoring of water supply schemes in rural area through GeM portal. Burhanpur of Madhya Pradesh becomes 1st “Har Ghar Jal” certified district in country. Jal Jeevan Mission is based on community approach and expects to build Jan Andolan for water. It also implements sustainable measures such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation and rain water harvesting. Previous Next

FSSAI to ensure the prohibition of calcium carbide in fruit ripening. Content Editor: Dr. Aiswarya May 27, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Artificial Fruit ripening, Natural ripening, harmful calcium carbide. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has alerted traders, fruit handlers, and Food Business Operators (FBOs) to strictly comply with the prohibition on calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits, focusing on its excessive use during the mango season. FSSAI also advises the Food Safety Departments of States and UTs to take strict actions against person(s) indulging in such practices as per the provisions of FSSAI. Due to the dangers, calcium carbide used for ripening fruits has been banned under the Regulation of the FSSAI. The authority permits the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative to Calcium carbide for fruit ripening . The ethylene gas treatment of unripe fruits accelerates the natural ripening process until the fruit naturally starts producing ethylene in required quantities. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Tamilnadu health department to launch ‘One Health and Climate Hub’ for integrated climate-health action Tamilnadu health department to launch ‘One Health and Climate Hub’ for integrated climate-health action Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala November 28, 2024 Social Trends One Health, Health System, Climate Change The Tamilnadu Dept. of Health and Family Welfare will set up the ‘One Health and Climate Hub’ owing to the challenges faced due to the interconnectedness of human health, animal health and the environment. Its proposed functions are: Formulating action plans to climate change associated health risks with a focus on vulnerable communities. Establishment of state-wide surveillance systems for monitoring data related to climate-sensitive diseases, subsequently developing Early Warning Signs (EWS). Facilitate coordination among the departments involved with the three components of One Health, along with forest and disaster management. Capacity building of the involved staff. Retrofitting climate-resilient systems like solar panels in healthcare facilities. Supporting research on climate events and outbreak using historical data.

Unemployment rate of graduate degree holders shows a declining trend as per the annual PLFS reports Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal March 23, 2023 at 3:11:40 PM Youth Affairs, Demography, Unemployment According to PLFS Reports, the estimated unemployment rate (UR) for people with graduate degrees who are 15 or older was 17.2%, 15.5%, and 14.9% during 2019–20, 2020–20, and 2021–22, respectively. This data illustrates a declining trend in the UR for people with graduate degrees . With effect from 1st October 2020, the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) was introduced to encourage employers to create new jobs and replace those lost due to the Covid-19 epidemic. The "National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) " is implemented to increase the employability of young people. Under this program, the government reimburses apprentices for 25% of their monthly stipend . The Government has brought in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS), and more programs to improve the employability of youth. Previous Next