Odisha bans refined sugar, limits salt in school meals to promote child health

In a significant step toward improving child nutrition, the Odisha government has reportedly issued a directive banning the use of refined sugar and restricting salt intake in meals served under the PM POSHAN scheme and Sishu Vatika initiative across schools and Anganwadi centres.

The state’s District Education Officers (DEOs) have been instructed to ensure that no refined sugar is used in meal preparation, according to The New Indian Express. If sweetening is necessary, jaggery may be used, but it must not exceed 5% of the total energy content to curb discretionary calorie intake. 

This move follows recommendations from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and advisories from the Ministry of Women and Child Development aimed at reducing sugar consumption in children due to associated health risks.

What More The Advisory Says

The advisory also limits salt usage, discourages high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods, and aligns with World Health Organisation (WHO) dietary guidelines. Strict adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR), 2011 and 2020, has been mandated for all meals, including hot cooked food, supplementary nutrition, and Tithi Bhojan.

Additionally, the directive bans artificial preservatives, colours, flavours, and synthetic additives in meals served to children under Sishu Vatika. Only approved emulsifiers under FSSR 2020 are permitted.

Further, to protect children from the harmful effects of energy drinks, the sale of such beverages has been prohibited within 100 meters of schools in rural areas and 50 meters in urban zones. The government cited multiple studies highlighting how excessive caffeine from these drinks can harm cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic health in children.

This initiative marks a major policy intervention aimed at fostering lifelong healthy eating habits among Odisha’s school-going children.