*Mumbai, September 24, 2024* – Dr. P.K. Samantaray, a renowned Professor and Head of Psychiatry at Jagjivan Ram Hospital, Mumbai, has raised a significant public health concern. In a recent message shared with colleagues and the public, Dr. Samantaray warns against the widespread use of palm oil in food products, linking it to rising rates of heart disease and diabetes in younger populations.According to the Emergency Medical Response Institute (EMRI), heart attack cases are increasingly affecting individuals under the age of 50. Dr. Samantaray attributes this alarming trend to palm oil consumption, claiming it to be more dangerous than smoking and alcohol combined.Palm oil, commonly used in processed foods due to its low cost, is found in everyday products like biscuits, chocolates, and fast foods. Dr. Samantaray highlights that even major international brands, such as Lays, use healthier oils in Western countries while opting for palm oil in India, primarily due to its affordability.India, the world’s largest importer of palm oil, has inadvertently exposed its population, particularly children, to what Dr. Samantaray describes as a “silent killer.” He warns that the oil’s palmitic acid content not only contributes to childhood obesity but also promotes fat accumulation around the heart, increasing the risk of early diabetes and heart disease.Citing a World Economic Forum projection, Dr. Samantaray notes that nearly 50% of premature deaths in the coming decades could be attributed to heart disease and diabetes, conditions he believes are exacerbated by palm oil consumption.In response to this growing concern, Dr. Samantaray and a group of medical professionals across India are urging the government to take action. A petition addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the works, supported by over 100,000 doctors, seeking stricter regulations on palm oil usage in food products and increased public awareness.Dr. Samantaray’s message is clear: consumers should be vigilant. He advises parents to read food labels carefully and avoid products containing palm oil, palmolein oil, or palmitic acid, in an effort to protect future generations from the long-term health risks associated with this ubiquitous ingredient.The palm oil industry’s influence, often referred to as the “palm oil mafia,” has been a significant barrier to change, but Dr. Samantaray and his fellow advocates remain hopeful that their collective voice will lead to stricter regulations and greater public awareness. For now, his advice remains simple but urgent: protect the future by choosing healthier, palm oil-free options for your children and yourself.