Pediatricians Urge Maharashtra Government to Remove Sugary Foods from Midday Meals

Pediatricians have written to the Maharashtra government to stop the inclusion of sugary food items in school midday meals, citing the risk of diabetes and obesity in children. They have specifically highlighted the high sugar content in rice pudding served under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana.

Pediatricians have urged the Maharashtra government to eliminate sugary food items from school midday meals, warning of potential health risks like diabetes and obesity in children.

The Maha Academy of Pediatrics addressed a letter to State School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, highlighting the issue. They cited the government's GR, which mandates adding 25 grams of sugar for students from Class I to V and 45 grams for students from Class VI to VIII in their meals under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana.

The pediatricians stressed that such high sugar levels, combined with additional sugar intake from other foods throughout the day, could increase the risk of children developing diabetes and obesity. They have visited schools to observe the practice and have called for an immediate stop to this policy. Adding to the criticism, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve also condemned the state government's decision on social media, pointing out the contradiction with the Union government's restrictions on ethanol production.

(With inputs from agencies.)