Overview

Despite health warnings, children continue to buy junk food from nearby shops and sometimes even from school canteens in Hyderabad. This unchecked access fuels rising obesity, poor nutrition, and health problems from a young age.

Guidelines Exist, But Not Enforced

In 2020, FSSAI issued guidelines discouraging the sale of HFSS (high-fat, salt, and sugar) foods within 50 metres of schools. Schools were also advised to work with nutritionists, install warning boards, and conduct inspections. But since these rules are voluntary, most schools and vendors ignore them. A retired FSSAI official admitted they were meant as best-practice suggestions, not legal mandates. Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution protects the right to do business, making it tough to ban junk food sales. Advocate Jatin Bansal explained that without legal backing, enforcement remains weak.

Parental Oversight Is Missing

Teachers and experts say pocket money without guidance adds to the issue. Parents often give money but don’t monitor what their children eat. “We give money for emergencies, but they use it on snacks,” said a parent. While schools offer nutritious meals—like rice, sambhar, or khichdi—many allow snack stalls on campus. “Our canteen sells samosas and chips. Some buy them every week,” said an eighth-grade student.

Experts Urge Food Education

Doctors warn that even one junk-filled meal a day harms growth, immunity, and academic performance. Dietitian Dr. Rajyalakshmi Devi Yenumula stressed the need for food literacy from age 6 through fun, hands-on activities. Government schools, with help from groups like Akshaya Patra, offer healthy meals. Still, students bring or buy junk food outside school hours. Experts and parents agree: the long-term solution lies in early nutrition education, added directly to the school syllabus and backed by regular sessions for both students and parents.

Source: Deccan Chronicle