Experts argue that obesity is primarily a concern for urban children who have access to processed and fast food. Rather than tackling root issues, they say, the government’s advisory is punishing the most disadvantaged.
Published Mar 19, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 19, 2025 | 7:00 AM
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Synopsis: The Union government’s advisory to reduce cooking oil in mid-day meals by 10 percent has sparked criticism from nutrition and food advocacy experts, who argue it unfairly targets underprivileged children dependent on these meals for essential nutrients.
A new advisory from the Union government asking states to reduce cooking oil in mid-day meals by 10 percent has sparked outrage among nutrition and food advocacy experts.
The advisory, issued under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme, follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent speeches warning about rising childhood obesity. Officials claim the move is aimed at tackling obesity in children. However, critics argue it unfairly targets underprivileged children who rely on these meals for essential nutrition.
Dr Veena Shatrugna, former Deputy Director at the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) Hyderabad, said:
“This decision is both irresponsible and unjust. Why should poor children bear the burden of chronic diseases affecting middle- and upper-class adults?”
Meanwhile, a senior official in charge of the mid-day meal scheme in Karnataka defended the move, stating:
“We are not removing oil completely. A 10 percent reduction is a minor change, aligning with global best practices for school nutrition. Childhood obesity is a growing concern, and we must take preventive measures.”
On the ground, experts warn that the policy ignores the fundamental role of fats in a child’s diet.
“The government’s approach assumes that obesity is the primary health issue for all children, ignoring the essential role of fats in growth and development,” said Dr Veena Shatrugna.
Similarly, Dr Sylvia Karpagam, a public health doctor and strong advocate for food and nutrition, said:
“The sweeping decision to cut oil and fat by 10 percent in mid-day meals shows how little the well-being of these children matters to those who are elected and those in power.”
Dr Karpagam argues that fats and oils should contribute at least 25–35 percent of total calories consumed. “They provide energy but also allow absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. A major part of the brain is made up of fatty acids, and the heart uses fat as energy,” she added.
Dr Shatrugna also emphasised the importance of fats in hormone production, brain function, and vitamin absorption. “Children need 30 percent of their energy from fat, it makes the food tasty and has many important biological functions,” she added.
Mrinal Pandit, Registered Nutritionist and Head Nutritionist at Oliva Skin Hair and Body in Hyderabad, told South First that a 10 percent reduction in daily oil usage—if excess oil is being used—is a positive step towards raising awareness about childhood obesity and lifestyle diseases.
However, she said, “while it is important to reduce excessive fat intake, particularly from oils and unhealthy fats, it is crucial not to cut fat intake too drastically. Doing so could compromise overall nutrition, which is especially critical for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Dr Mrinal argues that, as per the Supreme Court Order (2011), school mid-day meals should provide 300 kcal and 8–10 g of protein, while the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) guidelines (2008) require 700 kcal and 20 g of protein per meal.
“Although there are no specific guidelines for oil usage in mid-day meals, the National Institute of Nutrition recommends a visible fat intake of 25 ml to 35 ml daily for children aged 5–15 years,” she noted.
She further emphasised that childhood and adolescence are critical periods of growth that require optimal nutrient intake. Insufficient nutrition during these stages can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune function, and long-term health issues.
Experts argue that obesity is primarily a concern for urban children who have access to processed and fast food. Rather than tackling root issues, they say, the government’s advisory is punishing the most disadvantaged.
Mid-day meal workers at government schools pointed out that for many children, it is the most substantial meal of the day. However, the new directive could render it tasteless.
“The food that is given already lacks enough spices and vegetables. Now, if oil is also excluded, the food will not taste good. This will be a problem for children,” a cook at a government school in Karnataka told South First.
Dr Karpagam further pointed out that children in government schools are already being denied nutritious foods due to arbitrary political decisions.
“Someone wants to deny eggs, others feel outraged about meat, vegans want to eliminate milk, and now even the minuscule fats and oils (which are anyway not being used in many places) are being irrationally targeted,” she said.
“Why is the mid-day meal being relentlessly targeted by an ideological imposition that pushes the children further and further into malnutrition and poor eating practices?”
Dr Mrinal also emphasised that these children rely on school meals as their primary source of essential, calorie-dense, nutrient-rich foods that support their growth and development.
“Although these meals may not meet every nutritional requirement, they play a significant role in covering a large portion of a child’s daily nutritional needs and help bridge the gap in their overall diet,” she said.
Experts suggest that the government should consider banning highly processed foods from the market instead of imposing these curbs on children, for whom malnutrition is still a bigger issue than obesity.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
