Dirty canteens

Children spend a major part of their day at school. Therefore, the food offered at school canteens contribute significantly to their growth. Burgers, chips, soft drinks and confectioners contain saturated fat and added sugar. Children who regularly buy their break-time lunch from a canteen are more likely to gain weight and become obese. Also, the daily intake of the wrong type of snacks leads to poor dental health in years to come.

Canteens in schools fail to abide by the basic rules of health and hygiene. Schools’ administrations don’t take interest in supervising these canteens. The health and education department of the province is requested to conduct extensive checks on such canteens so that they provide healthy meals and drinks to children.

Visha Maqsood

Karachi