Gujarat schools to display 'sugar boards' to fight childhood obesity

Gujarat’s education board has mandated that all schools display ‘sugar boards’ highlighting sugar content in common foods and drinks, aiming to combat rising childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The directive follows an NCPCR order. The boards will list recommended daily sugar intake, sugar amounts in popular items, and health risks. An NCPCR study found children aged 4-10 get 13% of daily calories from added sugar, and adolescents 11-18 get 15%, versus the recommended 5%. Schools must also organize awareness programs, seminars, and workshops on healthy eating. The GSHSEB issued the mandate after earlier advisories received inadequate responses from schools.