Karnataka: Nutrition experts slam NEP suggestion that eggs, meat cause lifestyle disorder

The proposed paper said serving different foods would create bias among schoolchildren.

The suggestions come at a time when the Karnataka government has introduced eggs as part of midday meals in government schools in backward districts to counter severe malnutrition among children.

The position paper, headed by Dr K John Vijay Sagar, professor and head of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), categorically mentioned that eggs should not be part of midday meals.

The paper said that while planning midday meals, cholesterol-free, additives-free food — which apparently excludes eggs, flavoured milk, and biscuits should be given so as to prevent obesity and hormonal imbalance caused by excess calorie and fat intake.

Discontent over suggestions

Health and nutrition experts have expressed discontent over the suggestions on food and nutrition, alleging an attempt to impose food uniformity.

Public health and nutrition expert Dr Sylvia Karpagam, questioning the validity of the paper, told South First, “A psychiatrist-led committee should not decide on nutrition. The position paper is unscientific as it has not even referred to the National Institute of Nutrition’s literature.”

Karpagam added, “It is an effort of indoctrination of homogenous ‘satvik’ food culture and erasing important diverse food patterns of India.”

Another part of the paper claimed different foods would lead to nutrient imbalance.

It said, “Serving different foods to the same graders will lead to an imbalance in the nutrient distribution among children. For example, serving other recipes or foods to the same graders, such as egg versus grams, or egg versus banana, leads to a nutritional imbalance among children. Additionally, children develop complexes that result in emotional disturbances among friends.”

Another nutrition expert believes the position paper exploits the fundamental principles of nutrition that involve several food groups.

Former National Institute of Nutrition scientist Dr Veena Shatrugna told South First, “The NEP position paper on Health and Wellbeing is interfering with our food culture and practices, which is disgusting in itself. It should stop.”

She added, “The uniformity and monotony in food will destroy the creativity of children. The committee should stop ridiculing the importance of diverse food culture.”

The position paper is framed by one of 26 committees on various subjects by experts.

Ethnicity-Mythology over Science

The position paper also claims that gene-diet interactions indicate what is best for Indian ethnicity, and the natural choice of the race needs to be considered.

It goes a step further and cites mythology, claiming: “Stories about Bheema and Hanuman’s eating habits would help children link eating the right food to valour/courage and success.”