If union health minister Ramadoss has his way then very soon colas and junk food may be out of school canteens across the country.
NEW DELHI: If union health minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss has his way then very soon colas and junk food may be out of school canteens across the country.
Terming they are a big risk for children’s health, Ramadoss has decided to launch an attack on what may be called the staple diet of most children nowadays. “Colas and junk food are bad for children’s health. Hence, we want to ban the sale of such products within the school premises,” he said.
The health ministry is in talk with the union Human Resource Development ministry on how to go about implementing the ban in government schools, if not private. In the meanwhile, a massive campaign to make children aware of demerits of these products will be launched.
However, knowing that banning such products would not be an easily feasible idea, the health ministry has called for a meeting of state health ministers and representatives next week, to discuss the matter. The ministry is also exploring the legal aspects in this regard. “I want to ban it but there may be some legal hindrances in having a blanket ban. Hence, initially we may even think of having fines and penalties for the schools,” Ramadoss said after a function in New Delhi.
A large number of schools in India allow colas and burgers in their canteen and many have tied up with fast food chains for supply in their swanky canteens. According to Dr Anoop Misra, Director and Head, Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, Fortis Group of Hospitals, at least a third of today’s children consume junk food more than thrice a week. “Ninety-five per cent of Indians suffer from the type 2 diabetes, which is a life-style disease, and nearly five per cent suffer from type 1. One of the biggest reasons for diabetes is junk food,” he said.
“Diet Related Chronic Non-Communicable Disorders, which were earlier considered the problem of the affluent, are increasing in developing nations. The most important diet-related chronic disorders are cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cancer etc. All these problems can be controlled if we improve our dietary pattern,” Ramadoss said.
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