How much fat in a samosa? Noida schools to put up oil boards
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on July 15 issued a circular, asking all schools to display 'oil boards' in common areas such as cafeterias and lobbies. On these digital or physical posters, the circular said, schools must list out fat or oil content in different food items, such as 28g fat in one piece of samosa, 10g fat in a kachori, and 17g fat in a handful of fries.
The move, the board said, was announced keeping in view the trend of rising obesity levels among youngsters across India.
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"Data points out that there is a sharp rise in obesity among both adults and children. As per NFHS-5 (2019-21), over one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese. According to The Lancet GBD 2021 obesity forecasting study, published in 2025, the number of overweight and obese adults in India is projected to rise from 18 crore in 2021 to 44.9 crore by 2050, making it the country with the second-highest global burden.
The prevalence of childhood obesity is impacted mostly by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity," the circular read.
CBSE's directive is similar to the notice issued on May 14, which asked all schools to display 'sugar boards'.
Parents and school managements in Noida and Ghaziabad said on Thursday that it was an important initiative.
"We wholeheartedly welcome CBSE's directive to display 'oil boards'.
This is a vital extension of the earlier 'sugar board' initiative, and it reflects a strong, unified approach to tackle childhood obesity and unhealthy dietary habits. These boards will serve as daily reminders — educating students on the dangers of excessive oil consumption, eating junk food like chips, fries, and even muffins, cookies and cakes," said Naresh Ramamurthy, the national academic head at ORCHIDS, The International School.
Some schools said that they would also include questions on oil and sugar content in food items in the general knowledge (GK) syllabus or in quiz sessions.
"For a long time, we promoted healthy food habits. We also make scheduled tiffin routines for all classes. When the 'sugar board' concept was introduced, we asked students to make wall magazines for classes and corridors. Now, we are planning to include 'fat-fact' pointers in the GK syllabus.
Out of 50 marks, 10-20 points will be on food habits," said Seema Jerath, principal of DLF Public School, Ghaziabad.
Principal of Apeejay School in Noida, Neha Sharma, said she will introduce 'nukad natak' and presentations on health food habits.
"Putting sugar or oil boards on chart papers is not enough. To make students aware of healthy habits and internalise the facts, the school has decided to do something that will make students curious.
We will conduct nukkad natak and convey the message to parents," Sharma said.
Sujata, whose daughter studies in a CBSE school in Noida, said kids don't tend to listen to their parents.
"Children are always inclined towards junk food, cold drinks and fast food. Since they spend most of their time in schools, keeping a healthy habit will definitely be a good choice. Moreover, when they see other classmates following the same, it will influence them," she said.
Nishant, a Class 7 student, said schools can moderate junk food availability on the campus. "Tasty food is always desirable. If I get home made food that tastes good, I'm okay with it. Schools can allow junk food sometimes, if not always. But it's true that consumption of more oily food will lead to several issues when we grow up," he said.
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