Just Like Tobacco, We Need To Ban The Sale Of Junk Food Near Schools

While the plan to ban the advertising of High Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) products near schools is very welcome, it is not enough.

HFSS products are more damaging to the health of children than tobacco. If there is a ban on the sale of tobacco products near schools, there should be a ban on the sale of HFSS products as well.

Products such as sugary soft drinks like Coke and Pepsi, junk food like samosas, kachoris, potato chips, fried namkeens,  and most biscuits products, should not be advertised to children anywhere, and not just near schools.

It is also high time that HFSS products carry a warning specifically saying that the product is not safe for consumption for children, or adults who struggle with lifestyle diseases like obesity, hypertension, fatty liver disease, pre diabetes, diabetes etc.

High sugar drinks like Complan or Horlicks, and other similar products, that are sold as health drinks for children must also be prevented from advertising.

Read the article here: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/education/fssai-proposes-ban-on-junk-food-advertisements-in-and-around-schools/article27896872.ece