The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has issued stringent new guidelines to ensure healthier nutrition kits for vulnerable groups — including children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls.
States and union territories have been directed to eliminate processed sugar, excess salt, fat, preservatives, artificial colors, and added flavors from the kits distributed through Anganwadi centres. The directive comes after findings revealed that meals provided to children aged 3 to 6 contained alarming levels of unhealthy additives.
To promote safer alternatives, the Centre has recommended using jaggery instead of sugar and has emphasized keeping sugar intake to below 5% of total daily calorie consumption.
These guidelines align with the World Health Organization’s advice to minimize the consumption of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods to combat rising health issues like obesity and lifestyle diseases.
The Centre also plans to issue detailed preparation guides for Anganwadi kitchens and beneficiaries, helping families cook nutritious meals without added salt or sugar — a step toward fostering a healthier and more aware generation.
