After a ban imposed on fizzy drinks in schools, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) is now considering banning them for all underage children across the province.
Discussing the proposal with a local media outlet, PFA Director General Noorul Amin Mengal informed that these carbonated (fizzy) drinks have a negative impact on physical and mental health of the growing children.
He added that in order to protect our future, PFA will be issuing guidelines to food outlets to not hand out carbonated drinks to children below 18 years of age.
The campaign against carbonated drinks commenced earlier this month where cafeterias in schools have been advised not to serve them to minors. The implementation of this plan is likely to begin after the summer holidays.
The authorities aim to replace these adverse drinks with healthier ones, such as juices and flavored milk.
As per the approved guidelines, the food has been divided in three categories; red, yellow and green.
Lets take a look at these categories in detail:
Red: This includes the food and drinks that should not be allowed in cafeterias at any cost.
Yellow: These items should be sold in lesser quantity and shouldn’t be displayed prominently.
Green: This category includes everything that is recommended by the PFA.
PFA has also stated that they are aiming to launch an awareness campaign to promote lunch boxes among school-going children.