Misleading palm oil claims on packaged foods: IFBA
IFBA contends that these labels have become a mere marketing tool, influencing food choices often driven by social media trends rather than scientific evidence.
15 Jul 2025 | By WhatPackaging? Team
"No palm oil" labels are "misleading marketing gimmicks," says India's Food and Beverage Association
The Indian Food and Beverage Association (IFBA), representing players like McDonald’s, Wingreens, and Ferrero, has flagged the growing trend of "no palm oil" labels on packaged food products, branding them as "misleading marketing gimmicks." The association asserts that such tags are being used as differentiators, overshadowing credible dietary guidance.
The organisation further cautioned consumers against relying on health advice from influencers who, it claims, amplify "half-truths" without proper nutritional expertise. Dozens of biscuit, snack, and bakery products, both on retail shelves and direct-to-consumer platforms, are now prominently promoting "no palm oil," with some even commanding higher prices for similar quantities.
In a recent note, IFBA highlighted that palm oil continues to be misunderstood due to "selective branding tactics that exploit health-related fears." The association underscored palm oil's status as a widely used, affordable, and accessible edible oil.
"In today’s digital era, food choices are often driven by social media trends rather than scientific evidence," IFBA stated. "With India consuming 26 million tonnes of edible oil annually, including nine million tonnes of palm oil, this trend has fuelled misconceptions." The note further clarified that palm oil possesses "a well-rounded fatty acid profile with zero trans fats."
Shilpa Agrawal, director, scientific and regulatory affairs at IFBA, reinforced the scientific basis for palm oil's inclusion in a balanced diet. "The Dietary Guidelines for Indians – 2024 of the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition clearly acknowledge the role of tocotrienols in palm oil in lowering cholesterol and supporting heart health," Agrawal stated. "It recommends a rotation of edible oils, including palm oil, for a balanced fatty acid profile. This is science, not speculation."
The IFBA's stance aims to steer consumer perception back towards evidence-based dietary choices and to counter what it perceives as an exploitative marketing trend in the highly competitive packaged food sector.