23 hrs ago
Maharashtra Makes Healthy Food Mandatory In Government Offices
Maharashtra wants food served in government offices and events to be healthier.
The new rules apply to government canteens, meetings, training programmes and official gatherings.
People may be offered foods such as fruit, sprouts, millet khichdi, bhakri, poha and boiled eggs.
Drinks such as buttermilk, solkadhi, coconut water and unsweetened tea are also suggested.
Meals should contain vegetables, dal, salads and other balanced foods.
Food should have less salt, sugar and oil.
The government also wants offices to reduce ultra-processed foods over time.
Officials say this could help lower health risks linked to diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Maharashtra has ordered healthy food and beverages at government canteens, meetings, official events and training programmes.
Suggested options include millet khichdi, sprouts curry, bhakri, seasonal fruit, boiled eggs, poha, idli-sambar and vegetable upma.
Recommended drinks include coconut water, buttermilk, solkadhi, unsweetened milk, lemon water and unsweetened tea.
Menus should be low in salt, sugar and oil, with ultra-processed foods gradually reduced.
New catering contracts must include healthy-menu and nutritional-labeling requirements, with inspections and periodic audits planned.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Public Health Department and state government; one article says the decision was taken by the Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
- What
- A Government Resolution makes healthy menus mandatory at specified Maharashtra government offices, canteens, meetings, events and programmes.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra government departments, offices, local bodies, government training institutions, aided autonomous bodies and government canteens.
- When
- The order was reported on September 2; the articles do not specify the year or a complete implementation schedule.
- Why
- To promote healthier diets, raise nutrition awareness and reduce health risks associated with non-communicable diseases.
Key facts
- Issuing authority
- Maharashtra Public Health Department, through a Government Resolution
- Covered institutions
- Government departments, directorates, commissioners’ offices, district collectorates, Zilla Parishads, municipal corporations, municipalities, government training institutions, government-aided autonomous bodies and government canteens
- Short-meeting foods
- Seasonal fruits, roasted or boiled chickpeas and peanuts, sprouts, vegetable poha, idli-sambar, vegetable upma, millet khichdi, boiled eggs, nuts and seeds
- Suggested beverages
- Coconut water, buttermilk, solkadhi, unsweetened milk, limited-sugar lemon water and unsweetened green or herbal tea
- Full-day meal options
- Jowar, bajra or ragi bhakri, multigrain chapati, brown or hand-pounded rice, dal or usal, vegetables, salads, curd or buttermilk, fruit, paneer and properly cooked meat or fish
- Food standards
- Menus should emphasize low salt, sugar and oil, follow ICMR-NIN and FSSAI guidance, and gradually reduce ultra-processed foods
- Oversight
- A menu inspection committee and nodal officer are to oversee implementation, with periodic canteen audits coordinated with the Food and Drug Administration
Sources
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