Key Update

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has raised concerns over the sugar content in Amrutham Nutri-Mix, a supplementary nutrition product distributed to children through anganwadis in the state.

Commission Flags 20% Sugar Content

The Commission noted that Amrutham Nutri-Mix contains around 20% sugar, which, according to the petition, is inconsistent with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The petition also raised concerns that regular consumption of the product by children aged six months to three years could increase their risk of lifestyle-related health problems later in life.

The Commission made the observations while considering a petition filed by K. Sahla of Pattithara, Palakkad. Commission member P. Shajesh Bhaskar issued the order in the case.

Calls for Sugar Reduction in Amrutham Nutri-Mix

The Commission directed the Women and Child Development Department to consider completely removing added sugar from Amrutham Nutri-Mix and using a small quantity of jaggery instead. It also recommended that the Director of the Women and Child Development Department constitute a high-level committee to scientifically determine the nutritional composition of products supplied to children through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Age-based Serving Guidelines Recommended

The Commission further called for clear guidelines on the quantity of Nutri-Mix that should be provided to children under the Take-Home Ration (THR) scheme, based on their age.

It directed the Women and Child Development Department to issue instructions to its field-level officials on the quantity of Nutri-Mix to be provided to children in accordance with Central Government guidelines. The Commission also recommended printing clear information on nutritional content and recommended serving quantities for children on product packaging.

Anganwadi Workers and Beneficiaries to Receive Food Safety Guidance

The Commission directed the department to conduct awareness programmes for anganwadi workers and beneficiaries on the use of Amrutham Nutri-Mix and other supplementary nutrition products. The awareness programmes should also cover proper methods of preparing the products and the importance of following healthy dietary and lifestyle practices. The department can use direct awareness activities as well as platforms such as the Poshan Tracker and WhatsApp groups to reach beneficiaries.

Source: Manoramaonline