“The India-U.K. FTA spells a poor deal for public health”
Background
On July 24, 2025, India and the United Kingdom signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) anticipated to generate substantial economic gains. However, beneath the promises of economic growth lie critical public health concerns, particularly regarding the increased entry and consumption of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods.
Key Concerns
1. Influx of HFSS Foods
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The FTA permits tariff-free access for British food products such as biscuits, chocolates, and soft drinks, many of which are high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS).
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These products are likely to become more affordable and aggressively marketed, increasing consumption and heightening long-term health risks, especially among children and adolescents.
2. Lessons from Mexico (Post-NAFTA)
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After NAFTA, Mexico experienced a surge in imports and consumption of sugary foods and beverages.
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This led to increased rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which were only addressed after significant policy interventions, including soda taxes and mandatory warning labels.
Comparative Regulatory Environment
United Kingdom
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Strong public health safeguards:
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Ban on HFSS ads before 9 p.m. (effective October 2025)
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Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) using a ‘traffic light’ system for quick consumer understanding
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India
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Weak and fragmented system:
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No binding regulations on advertising junk food to children
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Heavy reliance on industry self-regulation (e.g., Advertising Standards Council of India), which has proven ineffective
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Celebrity endorsements often mislead consumers, with little accountability
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Star Rating vs. Warning Labels: A Misguided Approach?
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India has proposed a ‘star rating’ system for FOPNL.
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However, research shows it is less effective and can be misleading, as it tends to oversimplify health risks.
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Warning labels, such as Chile’s black octagonal signs, are more effective in directly alerting consumers about excessive sugar, fat, or salt content.
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Despite proposals in 2022 and a Supreme Court directive in 2025, warning label implementation remains stalled, likely due to industry lobbying.
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Rising Lifestyle Disease Burden in India
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Obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases are on the rise, including among children.
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Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) and HFSS products has grown at a 13.3% CAGR (2011–2021).
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A June 2025 position paper by 29 organizations urged mandatory warning labels on UPF and HFSS foods to combat this trend.
The Larger Debate: Trade vs. Public Health
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The India-U.K. FTA, and similar deals like the forthcoming India-European TEPA, risk becoming “Trojan horses” for NCDs if health concerns are ignored.
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The Commercial Determinants of Health—corporate practices that harm public health—are increasingly under global scrutiny.
Way Forward: Policy Recommendations
To protect public health without derailing economic ambitions:
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Incorporate health safeguards into final FTA texts.
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Implement strong food policy reforms:
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Mandatory warning labels (FOPNL)
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Ban HFSS advertising, especially to children
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Introduce ‘HFSS Boards’ in schools to spread dietary awareness
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Regulate school and college canteens to eliminate junk food
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Ensure public health experts are part of trade negotiations
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Align national policies with the Economic Survey 2024–25 and the Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
Conclusion
While the India-U.K. FTA may open new doors for trade, it must not compromise public health. To avoid repeating mistakes seen globally, India must prioritize strong regulations on food marketing, clear labelling, and consumer awareness. A health-first approach will ensure that economic growth does not come at the cost of national well-being.
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