Paper: GS – I, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Social Sector Health, Issue: Sugar Boards.
Context:
Recent initiative aimed at educating children about the health risks associated with high sugar consumption.
Key Takeaways:
- The involvement of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the prevalence of Type-2 diabetes among children in India, and the regulatory stance of the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding high fat, salt, and sugar content in foods.
Sugar Boards:
- To combat the rising sugar intake among school-going children, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated over 24,000 affiliated schools in India to implement ‘sugar boards’.
- These boards serve as educational tools, displaying crucial information about the health risks linked to excessive sugar consumption.
Importance of ‘Sugar Boards’:
- The necessity of ‘sugar boards’ is underscored by the NCPCR, which has advocated for their implementation in all schools, not just those affiliated with CBSE.
- In a letter to CBSE, the NCPCR pointed out the alarming rise in Type-2 diabetes among children, which has been linked to high sugar intake and the easy availability of sugary snacks and beverages in schools.
- Key Statistics: Estimated incidence of Type-2 diabetes in children in India: 397 per lakh population.
- For comparison, China has an estimated incidence of 734 per lakh population.
- Sugar constitutes 13% of daily calorie intake for children aged 4 to 10 years and 15% for those aged 11 to 18 years, significantly exceeding the recommended limit of 5%.
Regulatory Stand on Sugar Consumption:
- The FSSAI has taken steps to address the issue of high sugar consumption among children by convening a scientific panel to define a High Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS) standard specifically for school meals.
- However, as of now, the FSSAI has not finalized these standards or established a ‘health-star rating system’ to guide consumers.
Conclusion:
- The introduction of ‘sugar boards’ in schools is a vital step towards educating children about the health risks associated with high sugar consumption.
- With the support of organizations like the NCPCR and the ongoing efforts of the FSSAI, there is hope for a healthier future for children in India.
- By raising awareness and promoting healthier dietary choices, ‘sugar boards’ can play a significant role in combating the rising incidence of Type-2 diabetes and other health issues linked to excessive sugar intake.
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