India's race to deliver ultra-fast food is fueling a health debate. As Zepto Cafe, Zomato's Bistro and Swiggy Bolt compete to deliver food in 10 minutes, concerns about nutritional content are on the rise. Orthopedic surgeon and NutriByte Wellness co-founder Manan Vora has warned about the impact of this fast-first approach on public health.
“To serve 10 meals, it should cook in 3 minutes or less,” explained Dr. Vora in a LinkedIn post. “And they can only achieve this with highly processed, ready-to-eat foods — pre-cooked, frozen, microwaved and delivered.”
Dr. Vora backed up his claims with research highlighting the dangers of highly processed foods:
- 12% increased risk of cancer.
- 10% increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Contributing to obesity affecting 27.8% of Indian adults.
- Sugar spikes increase the risk of diabetes.
- High levels of trans fats are linked to heart disease.
He urged consumers to think twice. “If you don't have home cooked food and want to order in, do so. But wait a little longer for fresh food. Don't risk your health,” he wrote. His message to the industry was clear: “Dear Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto: We don't want highly processed junk delivered in 10 minutes!”
The post quickly went viral with many agreeing. One user commented, “10-minute delivery feels convenient, but at the expense of our health. Highly processed foods are a quick fix but come with serious long-term risks. Another echoed, “The 10-minute delivery will show its effects in 10 years with more chronic diseases.”
Bombay Shaving Company CEO Shantanu Deshpande has also spoken about India's over-reliance on fast food. He called it “the biggest epidemic,” pointing to the health risks associated with cheap, highly processed foods high in sugar and palm oil. He called for stricter regulations and urged food delivery companies to prioritize quality over convenience.