Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has requested the Human Resource Development Ministry to ensure withdrawal of junk and fast foods, including carbonated drinks, from canteens of educational institutions.
The health ministry also requested the state governments to issue instructions in this regard to the authorities concerned.
Citing that fast food had high salt and sugar content, the ministry cautioned the state governments that such items might indirectly contribute to hypertension and obesity. To generate awareness on nutrition related issues and for promoting a healthy lifestyle, the health ministry had created posters on micro-nutrient deficiencies, diet-related chronic disorders and promotion of healthy lifestyles for different age groups and had sent them to the governments for further distribution at various levels, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had informed Parliament last week.