From obesity to heart attacks: MP Assembly raises alarm over junk food's impact on kids, vows strict FSSAI enforcement

The growing trend of junk food consumption, especially among children, has raised concerns in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. During a discussion in the House, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, who also handles the health portfolio, stressed the need to strictly enforce the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines.

"Serious issue," says Deputy CM

The topic came up during Question Hour when Jabalpur (North) BJP MLA Abhilash Pandey questioned whether the state had conducted any special drives in the past six months to curb food adulteration. He highlighted that rising fast food consumption is contributing to various health problems. Responding to this, Shukla agreed that the issue is serious and emphasised the need for strict FSSAI guidelines to tackle it.

Shukla also revealed that the government had recovered Rs 9 crore from those involved in food adulteration. He mentioned that a roadmap is being prepared to ensure better health for the people.

Concerns over ingredients

Pandey pointed out that fast food often contains unhealthy ingredients like Ajinomoto (monosodium glutamate), flavoured additives, and preservatives. He questioned whether there are specific guidelines to monitor the use of such ingredients. Pandey also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's concern over rising obesity, especially among children, expressed during his February 23 'Mann Ki Baat' episode. Modi had urged people to reduce their cooking oil consumption and address childhood obesity.

Health alarms in Indore

Minister for legislative affairs Kailash Vijayvargiya, who also joined the discussion, mentioned that he recently held a meeting with doctors following incidents of children suffering heart attacks in Indore. According to him, the doctors highlighted junk food consumption as a significant factor contributing to such health issues. Vijayvargiya also noted that certain ingredients in junk food are added to make children addicted to it.

Inputs from PTI