CBSE Schools to Install Oil Boards Showing Fat Content in Fried Foods
New Delhi, July 15: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a new directive requiring all affiliated schools across India to install Oil Boards in cafeterias, lobbies, and meeting rooms. These boards will visually display the fat content present in popular fried snacks such as samosas, kachoris, wafers (banana and potato chips), vada pav, and French fries.
This move is aimed at raising awareness among children and adolescents about the health risks associated with consuming deep-fried foods, and is part of CBSE’s broader strategy to combat rising obesity rates among students.
Official Notification & Objective
CBSE released the official circular on July 15 via its website. It highlights that the use of deep-fried products is increasing in students' daily diets. To encourage healthy lifestyle choices and prevent major health issues in the future, CBSE has recommended these visual oil boards, similar to existing sugar boards in some schools.
Encouraging Physical Activity
The notification also recommends the promotion of walking and regular exercise for students. CBSE suggests displaying health messages on all official school publications and stationery. It proposes:
- Short exercise breaks during the school day
- Improved walkways to encourage walking to school
- Posters and visuals promoting nutrition and fitness
Expert Opinion: Nutrition Starts at Home
Education expert Dev Sharma emphasized the role of parents in this initiative. He suggested that parents should provide nutritious snacks and meals in students' tiffins to help prevent obesity from an early age.
Alarming Urban Obesity Rates
According to recent data, 1 in every 5 urban residents in India is obese. In 2021, around 180 million Indians were affected by obesity. As of now, this number is estimated to have crossed 200 million, and by 2050, the figure may reach 449 million, potentially making India the second-highest contributor to the global obesity burden.
CBSE’s initiative aims to curb this trend through education and preventive awareness at the school level.