Chennai: Taking steps to promote healthy eating habits and improve food safety awareness among students, the Food Safety Department of Tamil Nadu is set to install “oil, sugar, and salt” awareness boards in all schools across Coimbatore district, reports The Assam Tribune.
The initiative is designed to address the growing problem of childhood obesity and other health issues by educating students about the dangers of consuming too much fat, sugar, and salt. The boards, developed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), will include posters and digital displays.
These boards will share simple, clear information on how much oil, sugar, and salt can be safely consumed each day and how eating too much of them can lead to problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
To help children better understand the message, the boards will feature fun illustrations and cartoon characters. Officials believe that this creative approach will make it easier for students to learn about nutrition and food safety.
The campaign follows instructions from the Union Health Ministry and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which has asked all affiliated schools to set up these boards. Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar has instructed schools in the district to begin putting up the boards right away.
Dr. T. Anuradha, the Food Safety Department’s officer in charge for Coimbatore, said the goal is to help students make smarter food choices. “Many health issues in children are linked to eating too much junk food. We hope this step will make them think twice about what they eat and choose healthier options instead,” she said.
Food Safety Officers in each area have been assigned to make sure the boards are installed properly and to organize awareness sessions in schools. They will also monitor school canteens to ensure they serve food that meets safety standards.
FSSAI has also suggested changes to the meals served in public institutions, encouraging them to reduce unhealthy ingredients and serve more balanced meals.
The campaign is being promoted on social media with the slogan “Stop Obesity and Eat Right India” and will begin in Coimbatore schools within the coming week.
