Photo: ReutersSocial media influencer Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as “Food Pharmer”, claimed a "big win" for India after Lay’s maker PepsiCo decided to reduce the use of palm oil in its chips.
Palm oil is widely used in chips, biscuits and other such foods and is believed to be harmful for heart health if consumed in large quantities.
Last month, I made a video showcasing how Lay's India uses palm oil but Lay's USA does not use Palm oil!
Last month, I made a video showcasing how Lay's India uses palm oil but Lay's USA does not use Palm oil!
In the US, PepsiCo uses “heart healthy” oil such as sunflower, corn and canola oil for Lay’s, its website says.
Food brands in India have been under scanner in the last few weeks for the usage of unhealthy ingredients. Photo: Reuters
Social media influencer Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as “Food Pharmer”, claimed a "big win" for India after Lay’s maker PepsiCo decided to reduce the use of palm oil in its chips.
Palm oil is widely used in chips, biscuits and other such foods and is believed to be harmful for heart health if consumed in large quantities.
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“Big win! Lay's India to reduce palm oil usage! Last month, I made a video showcasing how Lay's India uses palm oil but Lay's USA does not use Palm oil! After a lot of public pressure, Lays India has set a public statement that they have begun the process to replace palm oil in their Lays!” Himatsingka said in a post on social media platform X.
However, a spokesperson of the PepsiCo India told moneycontrol that the trials for its products with new oil blends had already begun in 2023. "PepsiCo India initiated trials of a blend of Sunflower Oil and Palmolein Oil in certain parts of our portfolio last year, becoming one of the few players in the food industry in India to do so."
Also read: PepsiCo India to invest Rs 1,266 crore to set up flavour manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh
Himatsingka claimed local snack makers such as Bingo and Haldiram would now be under pressure to cut the use or replace palm oil in their products.
Big win! Lay's India to reduce palm oil usage! Last month, I made a video showcasing how Lay's India uses palm oil but Lay's USA does not use Palm oil! After a lot of public pressure, Lays India has set a public statement that they have begun the process to replace palm oil in… pic.twitter.com/qAJOUdNxhV Story continues below Advertisement Remove Ad Story continues below Advertisement Remove Ad — Revant Himatsingka “Food Pharmer” (@foodpharmer2) May 9, 2024
On May 9, the Economic Times reported that the American snacks and drinks manufacturer started trials to replace the "bad oils" in Lay’s with a healthier mix of sunflower oil and palm olein. It is also trying to reduce salt in its product, the report said. The company has been facing heat in the country over its use of oils that are considered bad for health.
Also read: US food regulator investigating Indian spices amid contamination allegations
The report also said that the snacks and beverage maker uses healthy oil options such as sunflower, corn, and canola oil for Lay’s in the US, its biggest market.
In the US, PepsiCo uses “heart healthy” oil such as sunflower, corn and canola oil for Lay’s, its website says.
FMCG companies are facing increased scrutiny in India for the use of unhealthy ingredients.
In April, Nestle India faced backlash over more-than-desired levels of sugar in certain products, including baby food Cerelac. A report by a Switzerland-based advocacy organisation Public Eye claimed Nestle of incorporating sucrose or honey into samples of infant and baby foods.
Also read: Have reduced added sugar in baby food by 30% in five years, says Nestle India
Later, the company said it reduced sugar levels by 30 percent and would soon release a new range of options with lower sugar content.
Indian firms, too, are facing scrutiny. The US Food and Drug Administrator began an investigation into MDH and Everest after some of their products were recalled in markets abroad over claims of high levels of cancer-causing pesticides.
