The Odisha Government directed all district collectors to install ‘Oil Boards’ at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and childcare institutions to raise awareness about the health risks of high-oil foods.
The initiative aims to educate communities about the dangers of excessive oil consumption and encourage healthier eating habits.
The boards will display the approximate oil content in popular fried snacks such as samosa, pakora, aloo chop, and other deep-fried items. Consequently, they will also warn about health risks linked to excessive oil intake, including heart disease, obesity, fatty liver, and high blood pressure.
To ensure wider accessibility, the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) instructed district collectors to implement the initiative in both Odia and English. Furthermore, the boards will be installed not only in AWCs but also in Child Care Institutions (CCIs), One Stop Centres, Shakti Sadan, Shakti Nivas, and other residential facilities under district administrations.
The WCD emphasised that institutions must actively promote healthier food choices and display health-promoting messages to reinforce behavioural change among children, caregivers, and the community. Moreover, the government has shared a prototype design of the board to maintain uniformity across districts.
Additionally, institutions may use contingency funds to cover printing and installation expenses, ensuring timely implementation without delays. This initiative reflects Odisha’s commitment to public health and nutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups.
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