Now Reading: Karnataka advisory restricts junk food sales near schools
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Karnataka advisory restricts junk food sales near schools
Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration has advised against the sale, distribution, advertising and promotion of foods high in fat, sugar and salt in schools, colleges and within 50 metres of them.…
The Story in Brief
Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration has advised against the sale, distribution, advertising and promotion of foods high in fat, sugar and salt in schools, colleges and within 50 metres of them. The measure covers canteens and vendors outside school gates, and renews focus on provisions already contained in the 2020 food safety regulations for children.
The advisory follows inspections that found processed snacks, sugary drinks and refined-carbohydrate foods near educational institutions. Doctors say frequent consumption can displace nutritious food and raise later risks of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. HFSS foods include chips, soft drinks, sweets, high-sodium instant noodles, deep-fried snacks and some bakery products. Packaged food is not automatically HFSS, as classification depends on nutritional composition.
The Indian Opinion
Claims that the advisory will solve childhood obesity are overstated. So are complaints that every packaged food is being branded unhealthy. The order targets foods crossing prescribed limits and focuses on places where children make frequent, often impulsive purchases. Its success will depend on clear product standards, regular inspections and affordable alternatives near school gates. The useful measure will be the number of violations recorded after enforcement begins, not the announcement itself.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
