A UNICEF Report on 'Unhealthy Food Environments'
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Social Development, Health & Nutrition (Obesity, Non-Communicable Diseases - NCDs, Malnutrition); Social Sector Initiatives; International Bodies (UNICEF).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Social empowerment; Poverty and developmental issues (double burden of malnutrition).
General Studies Paper 2 (Health & Governance): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population (Children).
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy): The role of fiscal policy (taxation) in influencing social outcomes.
Key Highlights from the News
UNICEF's new report 'Feeding Profit: How Food Environments Are Failing Children' states that one in five children and adolescents globally are living with overweight.
Unhealthy food environments around children are the main reason for this.
Main Reasons:
Widespread advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages.
Increased availability of ultra-processed foods through chain outlets like supermarkets.
Unhealthy foods being more readily available in schools than fruits and vegetables.
The report states that most countries lack strong legal protections to address this problem.
Very few countries globally have implemented mandatory nutrition standards for school meals or taxes on unhealthy foods.
COMMENTS