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CBSE has asked 24,000+ affiliated schools to set up ‘sugar boards’ to spread awareness about excessive sugar intake.
The goal is to educate children and reduce sugar consumption among students.
What are ‘sugar boards’?
A ‘sugar board’ displays the sugar content in common packaged drinks using visual comparisons (e.g., teaspoons of sugar next to drink bottles).
It includes data on sugar intake recommendations, sugar in junk foods, related health risks, and healthier options.
CBSE asked schools to share activity photos by July 15 to document implementation.
Expected to raise awareness among nearly 2 crore students and their families.
Why are ‘sugar boards’ necessary?
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) supports sugar boards in all schools, not just CBSE-affiliated ones.
Sharp rise in Type 2 Diabetes among children linked to sugary snacks and drinks in schools.
Estimated 397 cases of child Type 2 Diabetes per lakh in India — second highest after China.
Indian children consume 13–15% of daily calories from sugar, far above the 5% recommended limit.
What is India’s regulatory stand?
FSSAI has discussed defining High Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) foods, especially for school meals, but has not finalized it.
FSSAI currently uses WHO sugar intake limits (max 25 gm/day), but experts say India needs lower, country-specific limits.
No Indian cut-off levels for HFSS foods are officially set yet.
More data is needed on diet patterns, BMI, insulin resistance, etc., to frame relevant standards.
What next?
NCPCR plans to extend awareness to salt and trans-fat-heavy foods.
Data is being collected from hospitals on diabetic children.
Awareness to be spread through PTA meetings, doctor-led workshops in schools, and more collaborations.
‘Sugar boards’ are seen as the first step in a broader health and nutrition campaign.
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