Developing Interventions to Reduce Consumption of Unhealthy Fat in the Food Retail Environment: A Case Study of India

Abstract

This study describes the Indian food retail environment and how it influences the availability, price, and marketing of fats in India and it systematically identifies policy options aimed at reducing purchases of foods high in trans- and saturated fat. Food supply chain analysis, using document analysis, archival records, and semistructured interviews with key informants, was conducted to identify key problems and potential policy solutions to improve the quality of fat in the Indian food supply. The distribution of palm oil (high in saturated fat) through the public distribution system, the use of vanaspati (high in trans-fat) by street vendors, the promotion of oils and processed foods, and the lack of consumer awareness concerning trans-fats were identified as key problems. Policy options aimed at improving the quality of nutrition information and providing price incentives for use of healthier oils could improve diets and reduce the risk of noncommunicable disease in India.