Maharashtra is taking no chances with junk food. After banning it from schools, the government has now ordered that all state canteens will have healthier food on the menu. The move will cut out ultra-processed foods and items containing excessive sugar and unhealthy fats. Here’s what will be on the new healthy menu.
Maharashtra Government Canteens To Have Healthier Food Options
Maharashtra is taking the health of its people quite seriously. According to The Economic Times, a new directive has been issued through a Government Resolution (GR), which mandates healthier food in all state canteens and official events. The menus in government canteens will follow guidelines from ICMR-NIN and FSSAI while reducing ultra-processed food items and dishes containing excessive fat and sugar.
Instead of samosas and vada pavs, the new menu in government canteens will have items like Millet Khichdi, Sprouts Curry, Solkadhi, seasonal fruits, Vegetable Poha, Idli-Sambhar, Vegetable Upma and more. Employees will also get to eat boiled eggs, nuts and seeds for short meetings instead of fried food items.
For beverages, the guidelines suggest coconut water, buttermilk, unsweetened milk, lemon water with less sugar or jaggery, and unsweetened green or herbal tea.
Also Read: This Mysterious Island In Maharashtra Appears For Only 30 Minutes A Day & Tourists Love It
What Will Be Served On Full Day Programmes?
According to The Economic Times, for half-day or full-day programmes, the menu at Maharashtra government canteens may include jowar, bajra or multigrain chapatis. These will be served along with hand-pounded or brown rice, dal and leafy vegetables. It is also mandatory to cook vegetables with limited oil. People in canteens may also get low-oil khichdi, vegetable pulao, cooked fish, chicken and mutton. Instead of sweets, fresh fruits will be served.
Reportedly, government departments have also been asked to include specific provisions for healthy menus in new food and catering contracts. A menu inspection committee will oversee the implementation of the order in departmental canteens. Moreover, periodic audits of canteens will also be conducted in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration. The move aims to increase health awareness among people of Maharashtra.
Also Read: Maharashtra: No Vada Pav, Chips, Chocolates In & Around Schools Anymore; FDA Bans HFSS Foods
What do you think of this decision? Do you think other states should follow a healthy menu in government canteens, too?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/TrueCreatives
FAQs
What’s included in the new healthy menu in Maharashtra’s government canteens?
The menu includes Millet Khichdi, Sprouts Curry, Vegetable Poha, Idli-Sambhar, Vegetable Upma, seasonal fruits and more.
What is processed food?
Any food or drink which is altered from its natural state during preparation or packaging is called processed food.
What are some healthier snack options?
Some healthier options include boiled eggs, nuts, seeds, seasonal fruits and sprouts.
