In a move to promote healthier eating habits among children and support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national push against obesity and excessive oil consumption, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has called upon States and Union Territories to implement CBSE’s ‘Sugar Boards’ initiative in schools.
The call was made during the 47th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting held in New Delhi on May 27, 2025. The meeting brought together over 60 stakeholders, including Commissioners of Food Safety, state officials, central ministries, consumer groups, and food industry representatives.
What Are ‘Sugar Boards’?
As per the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) directive, all affiliated schools must install ‘Sugar Boards’ by July 15, 2025. The concept follows recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and aims to create visual awareness among students.
These boards will display:
- The recommended daily sugar intake
- The sugar content in popular snacks and beverages
- The health risks of excessive sugar consumption
- Healthier alternatives to sugary and junk food
The goal is to help schoolchildren make informed food choices and reduce their dependence on sugary products, starting from an early age.
FSSAI’s Push for Widespread Adoption
FSSAI has urged states to actively support and scale up the initiative, highlighting the need for widespread public awareness campaigns and state-level policy support. The Authority views this effort as a critical part of the broader ‘Eat Right India’ movement, which aims to ensure safe, nutritious, and balanced diets for all.
Key Messages from the 47th CAC Meeting:
- Tackle Obesity Head-On: Responding to the PM’s call, states must adopt strong policies to reduce obesity and unhealthy food habits.
- Enhance Food Safety Monitoring: Surveillance and enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened at the ground level.
- Support Schools and Institutions: States should provide logistical and technical support to schools implementing sugar boards.
- Collaborate for Change: Government bodies, schools, parents, and food vendors must work together to drive the initiative’s success.
Why This Matters
Childhood obesity is a growing concern in India. Studies show increasing sugar consumption among children contributes to various health issues including diabetes, obesity, and dental problems. The ‘Sugar Boards’ initiative offers a simple yet powerful educational tool to combat this trend.
By involving schools directly, the initiative ensures that children not only learn about the dangers of sugar but are also encouraged to adopt healthier eating habits for life.
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