Delhi Schools to Educate Kids on Unhealthy Diets

• Delhi schools must educate students on unhealthy diet impacts.
• Students learn about food processing, safety, and additives.
• Schools submit diet awareness activity reports by September 20.

Delhi: All the government-aided and unaided private schools have been told to educate students about the impacts of unhealthy diets. The Delhi government has

directed schools to ensure and sensitize students about processed foods, food safety, and the negative impacts of unhealthy diets. A circular was released last week that had details of the importance of making children aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of processed foods. The circular reads, "While food processing can enhance safety, improve taste and shelf life, and reduce waste, the circular also warned that excessive consumption of ultra-processed items high in sugar, salt, and fat poses health risks."

Students Should Know About Additives Used in Food: DoE

To address concerns about food adulteration, the circular said that on ‘bagless days’ students should learn about pesticides, fertilizers, and additives used in food. They should also understand how processed foods in the market are made.The advisory added that teaching children the science behind food processing, its innovations, and health effects will help them make better choices, clear misconceptions, and even spark interest in careers like food technology and nutrition.

Furthermore, schools have been asked to align their activities with the initiatives of the CBSE regarding nutrition awareness. Meanwhile, school heads have been instructed to submit an Action Taken Report detailing their activities to the Health and School Branch by September 20, as specified in the circular.

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