Govt to come out with policy soon to keep the young away from junk food

Considering the young generation the future of economic prosperity of the nation, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today said it would soon bring out a legislation or an ordinance or a policy to keep the youths healthy and away from junk food. Ministry of health and family welfare, secretary C K Mishra launching a "Saathiya app' and "Saathiya kit" to address the problems related to physical, mental and overall development of the adolescents said,'' The young constitute 26 crore of the population of the country and they are the future of the nation. If India has to be strong and wealthy, it is imperative that the health of the youngsters is good, therefore junk food has to be bid goodbye and they have to say yes to nutritious and clean food.''

He said,'' the growing years are that phase of the growing up when the youths are on the theshold of becoming 'adults'. Their mind is filled with unanswered questions about their physical and mental development and are puzzled about them. There should be someone to answer their queries in a friendly way and settle them down and therefore this "Saathiya kit". The young can know anything regarding their health using this kit. They can even ask queries and can take suggestions. Children have also been advised to lay off from junk food which is harmful for health.''In reply to a query, Mr Mishra said,'' No concrete policy has been formed as yet to ban junk food available in the market but suggestions have been forthcoming from secretaries of various ministries to stop junk food in all forms easily available in the market. The health ministry in coordination with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is deliberating upon a strategy because the authority to ban junk food lies with the latter only.