Children used to feasting on burgers, chips, colas and instant noodles will now be in distress. The UP government has sent a letter to all schools — ICSE, CBSE as well as UP Board — to ban sale of junk food within their premises and outside it with immediate effect.
The letter has been issued on instructions received by the Union health and family planning ministry.
The letter, addressed to all principals of primary and secondary schools, calls for a ban on the sale of all forms of junk food and carbonated cold drinks since these are known to lead to a host of diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels.
“We have noticed that more and more children reach out for burgers, pakoras, chips and colas during lunch breaks and school canteens are recording brisk sales of such items. Parents also find it convenient to give the child some money instead of ensuring home made food in the tiffin. We have sent warning to parents earlier but it has had minimal impact. Time has now come to ban the sale of junk food on the campus and outside it,” said a senior official in the education department.
The letter also warned the district inspector of schools (DIOS) of strict action if the orders were not implemented in their area.
The principal of a leading chain of school, however, welcomed the government order.
“We had attempted to sell sprouted moong dal, fruit chat and lassi on the premises but the canteen owner found no customers for this healthy food. With the ban on colas and chips, children will have to opt for whatever is available. We are informing he parents and from next week onwards, we will be starting a campaign to check tiffin boxes and any child found bringing noodles or any other unhealthy food, will lose marks in examination...” the principal said.