No Puri, Vada In College Hostels, Govt Institutional Kitchen Across Odisha
The move is aimed at ensuring healthier diets for students and government employees and discouraging excessive consumption of fried food. The authorities have advised that food served in hostels and other institutional kitchens should be prepared using traditional oils such as mustard and groundnut oil, besides desi ghee
Bhubaneswar: Puri, bara (vada) and other deep-fried food items may soon disappear from the menus of college hostels and government institutional kitchens across Odisha, as the state authorities have advised institutions to reduce the use of cooking oil and promote healthier food practices.
The move is aimed at ensuring healthier diets for students and government employees and discouraging excessive consumption of fried food. The authorities have advised that food served in hostels and other institutional kitchens should be prepared using traditional oils such as mustard and groundnut oil, besides desi ghee.
According to the advisory, the quantity of cooking oil used in preparing food should be reduced. Fried items such as puri and bara, which require comparatively larger quantities of oil, have been discouraged.
The advisory also stresses the need to ensure nutritious and balanced meals for students residing in hostels. Institutions have been advised to include healthier food options in their menus and reduce the frequency of oily and deep-fried preparations.
The authorities have further suggested that traditional oils, including mustard and groundnut oil, be preferred over excessive use of refined cooking oil.
“The objective of banning deep-fried food in hostels and government offices is to promote healthier eating habits and reduce the health risks associated with excessive consumption of oil and fried food. Students are also showing interest in taking non-oily foods,” a government official said on Monday.
The move comes amid growing concern over lifestyle-related health problems and the increasing consumption of processed and oil-rich food. The authorities have urged institutions to create a healthier food environment, particularly for young students.
The advisory is expected to apply to college hostels and other institutional kitchens, including those serving government employees, with the concerned authorities being asked to ensure compliance.
