Stop selling junk food to students to curb obesity, diabetes – Maharashtra government tells school canteens

The Maharashtra government has banned the sale of junk food in school canteens and has suggested healthy alternatives. On the basis of recommendations of the Centre, the state has told schools not to sell food ‘High in Fat, Salt and Sugar’ (HFSS). The decision has been taken looking at childhood obesity and related diseases.

“HFSS food has very little vitamins and minerals… (Their consumption raises the chance of obesity) and other related diseases among children. The effects can be seen on a child’s academic performance,” said the government resolution issued by the school education department.

According to the Times of India, school principals have been asked to ensure that the instructions are followed.

Some of the suggested alternatives include chapatis, rice, vegetables and pulses, rajma, wheat upma, khichdi, payasam, idli and vada sambar, coconut water, lemonade and jaljeera. Schools have also been asked to create awareness among children about healthy eating. “(They) must take help of professionals in the locality and (seek) information on the internet,” said the government resolution (GR).

Welcoming state’s move, Carlyne Remedios, a nutritionist with Saifee Hospital, said, “The human body is not designed to metabolise large amounts of artificial sugar and this is easily converted to fat. It is also linked to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes.”

The Centre’s recommendations were issued in December 2014. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) was the first to implement the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s report and issued directives to affiliated schools in January 2016.

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