IFBA says ingredient discussions should be guided by science and regulatory standards rather than consumer misconceptions
The food and beverage industry has stepped up its defence of palm oil and vegetable-fat-based frozen desserts amid growing public scrutiny of ingredients used in packaged food products.
The Ind Food and Beverage Association (IFBA) on Wednesday called for a science-based and regulatory-led discussion on food ingredients, arguing that edible oils, including palm oil, are safe for consumption when they comply with prescribed food safety standards.
The intervention comes as consumer awareness around food labels and ingredient composition continues to rise, particularly in categories such as frozen desserts, which are often compared with dairy-based ice cream.
“India’s nutrition conversation should focus on balanced diets, portion control, eating in moderation, maintaining an active lifestyle and reading food labels,” said Deepak Jolly, Chairperson, Ind Food and Beverage Association. “The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024 underline the importance of dietary balance and reaffirm the role of diverse food ingredients and their bioactive compounds in supporting health.”
Jolly added that focusing on a single ingredient without considering overall dietary habits does little to help consumers make informed choices.
Distinct Food Categories
The association’s comments come amid renewed discussions around the use of vegetable oils and fats in frozen desserts, a category regulated separately from ice cream under Indian food laws.
According to Asim Choudhary, former Director, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), India’s food regulations clearly distinguish between dairy-fat-based and vegetable-fat-based products.
“India’s food safety regulations recognise foods made from animal fats such as ice cream, milk fat spreads, yoghurt and butter, and those made using vegetable oils and fats like frozen desserts, vegetable fat spreads and non-dairy beverage creamers. The standards are prescribed for such food categories. Consumers should make informed choices based on product category,” said Choudhary.
The industry body also sought to address concerns surrounding palm oil, stating that it is naturally free from industrial trans fats and is widely used across global food applications because of its stability and functional properties.
Market Expansion
The industry’s remarks come against the backdrop of strong growth in India’s packaged food sector. According to data cited by IFBA, the packaged food market, valued at USD 129.18 billion in 2025, is projected to reach USD 238.83 billion by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 6.24 per cent. Rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, modern retail expansion and the rapid growth of quick-commerce platforms are expected to support demand.
The frozen dessert segment is also witnessing robust growth. The market was valued at Rs 333.71 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach Rs 634.05 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.39 per cent.
The association reiterated that public discussions on nutrition and food ingredients should be guided by scientific evidence and regulatory standards, while encouraging consumers to rely on product labels and balanced dietary practices when making food choices.
