Overview

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, also in charge of the health portfolio, raised serious concerns about the increasing consumption of junk food, particularly among children, and the harmful ingredients used in these foods. He stated, “This is a pressing issue, and we must strictly enforce the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines.”

BJP MLA’s Inquiry

During the Question Hour, Jabalpur (North) BJP MLA Abhilash Pandey asked whether the state government had conducted any special drives in the past six months to address food adulteration in fast food. He pointed out that the rising consumption of fast food in the state was leading to health problems.

Government’s Response

Shukla acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and emphasized the need to enforce FSSAI guidelines more strictly. He informed the House that the government had recovered Rs 9 crore from individuals involved in food adulteration. Additionally, the government is working on a comprehensive roadmap to safeguard public health.

Concerns Over Harmful Ingredients

Pandey also raised concerns about the presence of Ajinomoto (monosodium glutamate), flavor enhancers, and preservatives in fast food. He asked whether the state had any guidelines in place to regulate the use of such ingredients in food products. Pandey drew attention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments on obesity during his February 23 ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode. The Prime Minister expressed concern over the rise in obesity, particularly among children, and urged people to reduce cooking oil consumption.

Minister Vijayvargiya’s Insights

MP Legislative Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, MLA from Indore, shared his concerns, revealing that he had recently called a meeting of doctors after reports of children suffering heart attacks in Indore. The doctors identified junk food consumption as one of the main causes. Vijayvargiya further noted that ingredients were intentionally added to junk food to make it addictive, especially for children.

Source: The Times of India