Revant Himatsingka, known online as 'Foodpharmer', has launched an initiative called 'Label Padhega India'. This movement urges Indians to read food labels to combat false marketing claims and promote better quality in packaged foods. The campaign has gained momentum with support from various celebrities and influencers.
Bringing Awareness to the Masses
To spread his message wider, Himatsingka has enlisted celebrities like Archana Puran Singh, Dinesh Karthik, and Terrence Lewis, along with influencers like Ankur Warikoo and Abhinav Bindra. These well-known figures are helping to draw attention to the importance of understanding what’s really in our food.
The Mission of the Campaign
Himatsingka's initiative stems from ongoing concerns about food quality in India, such as misleading contents in baby formulas and health drinks, the use of unhealthy oils in snacks, and carcinogenic claims about masala products. He emphasizes that by reading labels, the public can pressure companies to eliminate deceptive marketing and improve product quality. The ultimate goal is to transform India from the "Diabetes Capital of the World" to the "Health Capital of the World."
Engaging the Public Through Social Media
Himatsingka has introduced a social media challenge to encourage active participation. He invites everyone to post a photo of a food label and then nominate three others to do the same, using a specific music track from the Instagram library to unify the campaign. Participants can tag 'Foodpharmer' to highlight their involvement.
Rewards for Engagement
To further motivate people, Himatsingka is offering gifts and personal meetings to over 100 participants who actively engage in the challenge. This approach not only promotes the campaign but also fosters a community striving for healthier food choices
Himatsingka's Background and Influence
After graduating from NYU Stern School of Business, Himatsingka gained significant attention when he challenged the sugar content in Mondelez India's Bournvita. His assertive stance led to legal pushbacks but also catalyzed a reduction in sugar in their products. His ongoing efforts have highlighted discrepancies in product quality and marketing by major FMCG companies in India.
Real Changes in Industry Practices
Following his exposés, companies like Lay’s have started replacing unhealthy palm oil in their products in India, matching their healthier practices abroad. Moreover, global reports have supported his claims about excessive sugars in baby foods sold in developing countries, prompting calls for reform.
Addressing Misrepresentations
Himatsingka has also called out brands like Maggi for misleading nutritional claims, such as comparing the fibre content in their atta noodles to three rotis, which he argues is grossly misrepresented.
"Label Padhega India" is more than just a campaign; it's a movement towards transparency and health in the Indian food industry. By educating consumers and holding companies accountable, Himatsingka and his supporters aim to ensure that food products sold in India are not only safe but also of high quality. This initiative empowers consumers to make informed choices and pushes for necessary changes in the food industry, paving the way for a healthier future for all Indians.
