In a significant development, social media influencer and nutritionist Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as 'FoodPharmer,' has partnered with TruthIn, India’s pioneering consumer product intelligence platform.
In a press statement on Tuesday, the social media influencer said that this collaboration aims to enhance transparency and accuracy in food labelling, helping consumers make healthier choices.
Revant Himatsingka, now serving as TruthIn's brand ambassador, has already made waves by persuading major food brands to reduce sugar content in their products, despite facing legal challenges. His efforts align with TruthIn’s mission to provide clear, scientifically backed evaluations of packaged foods, personal care, and cosmetic products available in India.
TruthIn, which boasts nearly 200,000 downloads and 35,000 monthly active users, offers a unique service where consumers can scan barcodes on product labels to receive comprehensive ratings. These ratings consider factors like personal nutritional profiles, ingredient quality, health impact, and processing levels, making it easier for consumers to understand what they purchase.
“I am thrilled to join forces with TruthIn,” said Himatsingka. “Their rating system and personalised match meter are the most accurate I’ve encountered. This partnership supports my vision for a healthier India by helping consumers make informed choices. Together, we can foster a health-conscious nation ready for future opportunities," Himatsingka added.
This partnership comes at a critical time as India faces a surge in the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), often marketed misleadingly as health foods. The World Health Organization and other entities have highlighted the negative health impacts of UPFs, underscoring the need for greater transparency in food labelling. India is the third-largest packaged food market globally, with millions of products sold daily.
Consumers are frequently misled by deceptive packaging and marketing tactics that exaggerate health benefits. Ravi Putrevu, Co-founder and CEO of NatFirst, TruthIn’s parent company, emphasised the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Partnering with FoodPharmer allows us to reach a broader audience to promote transparency and clean labelling. Revant’s dedication aligns perfectly with our ethos, and we are excited to take this movement to the next level."
India's health challenges are stark, with UNICEF predicting over 27 million obese children, 77 million adults with diabetes, and one in four individuals suffering from hypertension, according to WHO data. Addressing these issues requires innovative, tech-enabled solutions that integrate data science, AI, and nutrition.
Aman Basheer, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at NatFirst, added, "This partnership is a natural fit. We aim to provide the most reliable information based on credible medical sources to promote better health and tackle the ongoing NCD epidemic. We want to empower consumers to make the best decisions for their health and their families."
