Government asks schools to ban fatty foods in canteens

In a bid to promote healthy-eating practice in schools, the Delhi government has directed schools in the city to consider banning sale of food items high in fat, sugar and salt content from their canteens and to sensitise students about their ill-effects.

“All the heads of government schools and private schools are directed to sensitise the students and parents about ill-effects of food high in fat, sugar and salt through morning assembly, teacher interactive period and parent-teacher meetings,” the directorate of education (DoE) said in a circular sent to all the city schools.

“The schools may also consider banning the sale of such foods from school canteen. Also ensure that the cafeteria sells fresh and healthy foods which are low in fat,” it added. The order also details the adverse effects of each of the constituents of food high in fat, sugar and salt, as prescribed by the World Health Organisation.

Some of the suggestions by the government for sensitising students include, “maintaining a notice board for creating awareness; organising drawing, painting, slogan-writing activities and debates in a class-wise manner with special emphasis on lower classes; and dedicating morning assembly once in a month for this purpose.”

“Spread the word for healthy food options like vegetable sandwiches, fruits, paneer cutlets, khandvi, poha and low fat milk shakes with seasonal fruits, lassi and jalzeera etc,” the DoE circular said. The communication comes following a Delhi HC judgment ordering the regulation of junk food consumption among schoolchildren through restrictions on the sale of foods high in fat.