India-UK Free Trade Agreement and Public Health Concerns
The signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on July 24, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the economic relations between the two nations. The agreement, officially termed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, was sanctioned by the Indian Union Cabinet on July 22, 2025. While the FTA promises economic benefits for both countries, it raises significant public health concerns for India.
Potential Public Health Challenges
- The FTA permits tariff-free entry of UK-made food products like biscuits, chocolates, and soft drinks into India.
- Many of these products fall under the category of High Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) foods, increasing the risk of diet-related diseases.
- An increase in consumption of such products due to aggressive marketing could exacerbate public health issues.
Lessons from NAFTA
Mexico’s experience with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) serves as a cautionary tale:
- Post-NAFTA, Mexico saw a sharp increase in imports of sugary drinks and snacks, leading to a rise in obesity and diabetes.
- The situation improved only after Mexico introduced regulatory measures like the ‘Soda Tax’ and mandatory health warning labels in 2014.
Regulatory Frameworks: India vs. UK
- The UK has stringent regulations on the advertisement of HFSS products, including a ban before 9 p.m. on TV and a complete ban online from October 1, 2025.
- The UK employs a traffic light Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) system to inform consumers about nutritional content.
- India’s regulatory framework is less robust, relying on industry self-regulation, which is often ineffective.
Addressing Regulatory Gaps
- India lacks binding restrictions on junk food advertisements aimed at children.
- Efforts to introduce effective warning labels have been stalled, partly due to industry lobbying.
The Rise of Lifestyle Diseases in India
- The consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) and HFSS items in India grew at a CAGR of 13.3% from 2011-21.
- The prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension is increasing across all age groups.
The Path Forward
To mitigate the adverse public health impacts of the FTA:
- India must implement strong measures to regulate the advertising of HFSS products.
- Mandatory FOPNL with clear warning labels is crucial.
- Schools should eliminate the sale of packaged and unhealthy food items.
With potential FTAs on the horizon, such as the India-European Free Trade Agreement, India needs to enforce protective measures to safeguard public health. Public health practitioners and policymakers must actively engage in discussions relating to trade deals to address the health implications of ultra-processed and HFSS foods.
