PALMOILMAGAZINE, NEW DELHI — The growing trend of labeling food products with “No Palm Oil” claims is facing criticism from India’s food and beverage industry. The Indian Food and Beverage Association (IFBA) said such labels are largely marketing tools rather than health claims grounded in scientific evidence.
In an official statement released Tuesday, IFBA expressed concern over the widespread use of “No Palm Oil” labels, warning that they risk misleading consumers. Palm oil, the association noted, has been part of Indian diets since the 19th century and remains widely used today.
“Palm oil has a recognized role in a healthy and balanced diet. Labels such as ‘No Palm Oil’ push consumers toward a distorted perception by prioritizing marketing narratives over science,” said Deepak Jolly, Chairman of IFBA, referring to nutritional guidelines issued by India’s Ministry of Health.
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IFBA emphasized that palm oil is among the most affordable and versatile vegetable oils available. Its nutritional stability and long shelf life make it a preferred choice for many global food brands. However, the association said negative narratives on social media are increasingly driving consumer decisions based on trends rather than verified scientific evidence.
“These narratives divert attention from the importance of overall nutritional balance and could undermine India’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils,” Jolly said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from India’s national public broadcaster DD News on Friday (2/1/2026). He added that the impact could extend across farmers, producers, consumers, and the broader national economy.
Industry data show India consumes around 26 million tons of edible oils annually, with nearly 9 million tons coming from palm oil, underscoring the commodity’s strategic role in national food security.
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Echoing this view, Shilpa Agrawal, IFBA’s Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, cited the Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024 issued by the ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition. The guidelines recognize the benefits of tocotrienols in palm oil, which help reduce cholesterol and support heart health. The government also recommends rotating different vegetable oils, including palm oil, to maintain a balanced fatty acid intake.
IFBA also welcomed the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), launched in 2021 with a budget of ₹11,040 crore, aimed at expanding oil palm cultivation and reducing India’s reliance on imports.
“‘Palm oil free’ labels are no substitute for balanced nutrition advice,” IFBA stressed. “Consumers should be cautious of exaggerated claims that are not rooted in nutritional science.” (P2)
