Sugar Board Scheme to combat excessive sugar consumption among children

 The Department of Food Security and the Department of Education have jointly launched a new initiative called SUGAR BOARD to address excessive sugar consumption among children. This project aims to increase awareness about sugar content by installing SUGAR BOARD displays in schools, which will indicate the amount of sugar in soft drinks. The initiative was first introduced at Nadakavu Vocational Higher Secondary School in Kozhikode. Excessive sugar intake can lead to a range of health issues, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and various physical and mental problems. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends limiting sugar consumption to no more than 3 teaspoons (15 grams) per person per day. Sugar usually enters the body through tea or beverages, but soft drinks are especially high in sugar, containing 10 to 15%. For example, a 300-gram serving of a soft drink can deliver 30 to 40 grams of sugar. This high sugar intake can cause future health problems, particularly for children. The SUGAR BOARD initiative aims to help students understand the sugar content in their drinks. The administration plans to implement these boards in all higher secondary schools across the district, in collaboration with the schools.