Peshawar, (PR): The law has already been passed that unhealthy food such as sugar sweetened beverages and ultra-processed food is not allowed in the vicinity of schools. KPK Food Authority will ensure implementation of this law. This was said during a session with Food Safety and Halal Food Authority – KPK organized by Pakistan National Heart Association in Peshawar.
General Secretary of PANAH, Mr. Sanaullah Ghaman informed the participants about PANAH’s campaign on the harms of sugary drinks. He said that PANAH is not only working to raise public awareness about the health hazards of sugary drinks, but it is also working with policy makers to reduce its consumption. So that the disease burden of the country is reduced and we can provide healthy drinks. Pakistan for future generations. He stressed that unhealthy foods like sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods should be banned in educational institutions.
Mr. Manoor Hussain, Consultant Food Policy Program of Global Health Advocacy Incubator said obesity is closely related to heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes and other diseases like NCDs. 41.3% of people in Pakistan are obese or overweight. The National Nutrition Survey shows that obesity in children under 5 has doubled from 2011 to 2018. Healthy school food policies are a clear step forward in preventing children from obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and many other diseases such as NCDs. Eating healthy school lunches can improve children’s diets in and out of schools. The food and beverage industry spends a lot of money on advertising targeting children. Heavy promotion of unhealthy foods and beverages on school grounds reinforces unhealthy choices. Exposure to such marketing significantly increases the risk of childhood obesity. KPK Food Authority will ensure implementation of healthy school food policies and market ban on unhealthy food and beverages around school.
