Parents, health experts welcome government move

Parents and health experts have welcomed the Delhi government’s decision to consider banning sale of food items which are high in fat or junk food in school canteens. The school administrations, however, said that they would follow the direction after receiving the written order.

A directorate of education (DoE) circular said that the schools may consider banning the sale of food high in fat, sugar and salt in all school canteens. Also, ensure that the school cafeterias sell fresh and healthy foods low in fat.

Welcoming the Delhi government’s direction, Mona Pandey, mother of two school-going children, said, “Any initiative by the Delhi government promoting hea-lthy eating habits among the children should be enc-ouraged and supported.”

Chitralekha Verma, mother of a school-going child, said that the AAP government’s decision will instil healthy eating habit among children who eat as per their wish in the school canteens away from their parents’ watchful eyes. “Banning food high on fat, sugar and salt in the school canteens will ensure that even in parents’ absence the children will be getting healthy food to eat. It is a welcome move and everyone should support it,” added Ms Verma.

Hailing the decision, health experts said that move would help in creating a healthy society. Senior consultant, lifestyle disease and preventive health at PSRI Hospital, Dr Anil Chaturvedi, said a recent study conducted among over 2,500 children found that 23 per cent of the children with cholesterol levels much above normal and the reason was the junk food. “By developing healthy eating habits by the way of law or awareness, as a society we will be able to prevent major lifestyle diseases. Any move by the Delhi government banning these foods items easily available in canteens should be supported,” added Dr Chaturvedi.

“By banning sale of junk food and ensuring sale of fresh and healthy foods which are low in fat in canteens, we can prevent lifestyle diseases caused due to poor eating habits. All the stakeholders, including parents and the school administrations must support the government whole heartedly to make it success,” said Dr B.K. Singh, who runs a charitable clinic in North Delhi.

The school administrations said that they will follow the AAP government’s direction after going through the circular.