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Key Points

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has launched a critical initiative to combat childhood obesity and promote food safety across India. The campaign focuses on educating students through NCERT curriculum about healthy eating habits and nutritional awareness. Nadda highlighted that food safety is a collective responsibility involving government, industry, and citizens. The initiative comes as recent studies show obesity is no longer limited to urban areas but is increasingly affecting rural populations.

Key Points: JP Nadda Launches Safe Eating Campaign for Children's Health

  • New NCERT curriculum to educate students on healthy dietary habits
  • ICMR study reveals obesity spreading to rural regions
  • World Food Safety Day highlights scientific approaches to food protection
2 min read

Union Health Minister JP Nadda urges collective action for safe and healthy eating, especially among children

Union Health Minister calls for collective action on food safety, targeting childhood nutrition and obesity prevention nationwide

"Safe food nurtures health, builds immunity - JP Nadda, Union Health Minister"

Bengaluru, June 7

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called for a unified effort from the government, industry, academia, and citizens to promote safe and healthy eating practices across the country, particularly among children.

Speaking during the launch of 'Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy' initiative on World Food Safety Day 2025 at NIMHANS in Karnataka's Bengaluru, Nadda underscored the importance of food safety and nutrition.

He announced a new government initiative within the NCERT curriculum aimed at educating students about healthy dietary habits. "It becomes the collective responsibility of the government, industry, academia and every individual to ensure that we eat right," he said.

"Safe food nurtures health, builds immunity, while the unsafe food compromises life, especially for the most vulnerable, our children. The advertisements that are coming attract our children to all kinds of food, and that's why we have started a campaign in the NCERT curriculum on what to eat, what not to eat for the children. Therefore, it's important to educate kids not just about sugar, but also about overall calorie intake," he added.

"As per recent diabetes study conducted by ICMR, obesity is no longer confined to urban areas. Rural regions are now increasingly grappling with the same challenge, highlighting the growing need for public awareness and healthy food habits," said Nadda.

Earlier in a post on X, Nadda marked World Food Safety Day, saying, "This World Food Safety Day, we come together to raise awareness about the essential role of safe and hygienic food in safeguarding health and reducing foodborne diseases. Food is the fuel that keeps us going every day. When we focus on food safety, we're protecting our health and the well-being of families everywhere."

"This year's theme, "Food Safety: Science in Action," celebrates how science and technology is protecting our food quality and safety at every stage," he added.

World Food Safety Day, observed globally every June 7, serves as a reminder that food safety is crucial for both good health and economic development.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Finally! This initiative was long overdue. Our kids are bombarded with junk food ads daily. The NCERT curriculum intervention is brilliant - education must start early. But will schools actually implement this properly? Hope it's not just another paperwork exercise.
R
Rahul S.
Good move but what about making healthy food affordable? A plate of fruits costs more than samosas these days. Government should reduce GST on healthy foods and increase taxes on packaged junk. #RightToNutrition
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Ananya M.
As a mother, I welcome this! But change must begin at home too. We Indians overfeed our kids thinking 'healthy' means 'more'. My child's school still serves sugary drinks - when will institutions walk the talk? 🤔
V
Vikram J.
Science-based approach is good, but our traditional foods like millets, sprouts etc. should be highlighted more. Western diet patterns are being blindly copied while our own wisdom is forgotten. #BackToRoots
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Sunita P.
Rural obesity is alarming! When I visited my village last month, even there kids were drinking colas instead of buttermilk. Government must regulate food companies targeting rural markets with cheap junk food. 😠
K
Karan D.
While the intent is good, I'm skeptical about execution. Our midday meal scheme still has quality issues. First fix the existing systems before adding new programs. Actions speak louder than speeches, Mr. Minister.

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