India's ultra-fast food delivery race sparks health debate. As Zepto Cafe, Zomato's Bistro and Swiggy Bolt compete to deliver food in just 10 minutes, concerns about the nutritional toll are growing. Orthopedic surgeon and NutriByte Wellness co-founder Manan Vora raised the alarm about the public health impact of this fast-track approach.
“For a meal to be delivered in 10, it must be cooked in 3 minutes or less,” explained Dr. Vora in a LinkedIn post. “And they can only achieve this with ultra-processed, ready-to-eat meals – pre-cooked, frozen, microwaved and delivered.”
Dr. Vora backed up his claims with research highlighting the dangers of ultra-processed foods:
- 12% increase in cancer risk.
- 10% increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Contributing to obesity, which affects 27.8% of Indian adults.
- Sugar spikes, increasing the risk of diabetes.
- High levels of trans fats, linked to heart disease.
He urged consumers to think twice. “If you don't have food cooked at home and you need to order in, do it. But wait a little longer for fresh food. Don't put your health at risk,” he wrote. His message to the industry was clear: “Dear Zomate, Swiggy and Zepto: We don't want ultra-processed rubbish delivered in 10 minutes!”
The post quickly went viral with many expressing their approval. One user commented: “While 10-minute delivery sounds convenient, it's at the expense of our health. Ultra-processed foods are a quick fix, but they carry serious long-term risks.” Another echoed: “A 10-minute birth will show its effect in 10 years with more chronic diseases.”
Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, also spoke about India's growing addiction to fast food. He called it the “biggest epidemic” and pointed to the health risks associated with cheap, ultra-processed foods high in sugar and palm oil. He called for tighter regulation and urged food delivery companies to prioritize quality over convenience.
Source link
'Ultra-processed rubbish…': Doctor calls on Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto for 10-minute food deliveries
