The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has issued a directive for all District Education Officers (DEOs) to set up ‘Sugar Boards’ in schools across the state.
These Sugar Boards aim to raise awareness among students about the sugar content in various foods and drinks, encouraging them to monitor and reduce their sugar intake.
According to GSHSEB, the government has recommended setting up Sugar Boards in schools. Data shows that children aged 4–10 consume up to 13% of their daily calories from sugar, while those aged 11–18 consume up to 15%. This percentage should ideally be reduced to just 5%.
Schools have been instructed to place Sugar Boards in visible spots where students can easily see them. These boards will provide information about the dangers of high sugar intake, the recommended daily limits, and the sugar content in everyday food items.
In addition, schools are expected to organize seminars and workshops to educate students further on the subject. The education board has asked all DEOs to oversee the strict enforcement of these measures.
This move follows a similar step taken by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in May, which issued comparable guidelines to its affiliated schools aimed at controlling sugar consumption among children.
