Tamil Nadu's Initiative to Promote Healthy Eating in Schools

Promoting Healthy Eating Habits

Chennai, July 15: The Food Safety Department of Tamil Nadu is set to enhance awareness about food safety and encourage healthy eating among students by installing boards focused on ‘oil, sugar, and salt’ in educational institutions throughout Coimbatore district.

This initiative aims to address the increasing rates of childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by educating young learners about the negative impacts of diets high in fats, sugars, and salts.

Developed in partnership with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), these boards will include informative posters and digital displays.

They will present the recommended daily limits for sugar, salt, and oil, along with explanations of how excessive intake can lead to health issues such as obesity, type-2 diabetes, and heart diseases.

To engage children effectively, the boards will incorporate colorful illustrations and cartoons, making the concepts of food safety and nutrition more relatable and easier to grasp.

This campaign follows directives from the Union Health Ministry and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which has mandated all affiliated schools to set up these awareness boards.

Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar has instructed the swift implementation of this initiative in local schools. Dr. T. Anuradha, the Designated Officer of the Food Safety Department in Coimbatore, stated, “The consumption of high fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS) foods significantly contributes to obesity and other non-communicable diseases. This initiative will empower students to recognize the risks and make healthier dietary choices. Food Safety Officers (FSOs) in each taluk will oversee the installation of these boards and regularly conduct awareness sessions.”

Additionally, FSOs will supervise school canteens to ensure adherence to food safety regulations.

The FSSAI has proposed a model for healthier meals to replace the often oily, salty, or sugary options currently available in public institutions. This campaign will be promoted under the social media slogan ‘Stop Obesity and Eat Right India,’ with a launch planned in Coimbatore schools within the week.