Centre mulls ban on junk food in schools

Hyderabad: An expert committee set up by the Union ministry of women and child development has recommended a ban on the sale of junk foods in school canteens and eateries in an area of 200 metres around schools.

The committee made this recommendation based on the rising incidence of childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes. The committee has also recommended modifications in labelling of prepackaged foods.

“Junk food consumption among school children is a big problem and the recommendations of the committee are in the right direction. Several countries have taken similar measures. The ministry needs to take this forward,” said Sunita Narain, director general, Center for Science and Environment (CSE), responding to the development.