Published Sep 02, 2026 | 2:31 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 02, 2026 | 2:32 PM
Amrutham Nutri Mix is distributed to children through Anganwadis.
Synopsis: The Keralam Child Rights Commission has raised concerns over sugar in Amrutham Nutri Mix distributed through Anganwadis, recommending its elimination or minimal use of jaggery. It also called for scientific nutritional standards, age-based serving guidelines, clear labelling, and awareness programmes on proper nutrition and healthy dietary practices.
The Keralam State Child Rights Commission has raised concerns over the addition of sugar to Amrutham Nutri Mix, which is distributed to children through Anganwadis. It observed that excessive sugar consumption could adversely affect the children’s health.
The commission recommended considering the complete elimination of sugar in the manufacture of Amrutham Nutri Mix supplied under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), while including a minimum quantity of jaggery, if necessary.
It also directed the Director of the Women and Child Development Department to constitute a high-level committee to scientifically determine the nutritional composition of the products.
The commission further called for clear guidelines on the quantity of Nutri Mix to be provided to children under the Take Home Ration (THR) scheme, based on their age.
Such instructions, in line with Central government guidelines, should be communicated to subordinate officials, it said.
It also directed that nutritional information and recommended serving quantities be clearly printed on product labels.
The department should create awareness among Anganwadi workers and beneficiaries about the proper use and preparation of nutritional supplements, including Amrutham Nutri Mix, as well as the importance of healthy dietary practices. Awareness programmes could be conducted directly and through the Poshan Tracker and WhatsApp groups, the commission said.
The directions were issued by commission member P. Shajesh Bhaskar on a petition filed by K. Sahla, a native of Pattithara in Palakkad.
The petitioner pointed out that Amrutham powder distributed through Anganwadis allegedly contains around 20% sugar and argued that this was contrary to World Health Organization guidelines and could contribute to lifestyle diseases among children aged between six months and three years.
The commission observed that causing widespread health problems by including excessive quantities of sugar would be against the best interests of children and their right to nutrition.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
