Combating Ultra-Processed Foods in Indian Schools: A Call for Urgent Action

Urban Indian schools are witnessing a silent health crisis as ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like chips, sugary drinks, and instant noodles dominate lunchboxes and canteens. These industrially formulated foods, designed for taste and shelf life, are linked to obesity, weak immunity, and poor academic performance. While government schemes such as the Mid-Day Meal Programme address hunger, they often lack nutritional balance. Globally, nations like California, Chile, and Brazil have curbed UPFs through bans, warning labels, and sugar taxes. India must adopt similar measures—enforcing restrictions on UPF sales near schools, certifying “Healthy Canteens,” and promoting traditional, nutrient-rich foods such as millets and sprouts. Nutrition education, stricter marketing rules, and collaboration between regulators, schools, and food companies can drive sustainable change. Safeguarding children’s diets is not just a health priority—it’s an investment in India’s educational and economic future.

20-10-2025