The Karnataka government has issued a nutrition advisory that details what should be served on plates at official events, while also asking departments to avoid several items, ranging from fried snacks to milk tea and coffee.
The order, dated April 13, said the move is aimed at fostering proper diet and nutrition practices in the workplace, noting that food currently served in government settings “is not necessarily healthy and does not promote healthy diet and nutrition”.
WHO definition
The advisory draws on the World Health Organisation’s definition of health as encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being and emphasises nutrition as a key component of preventive healthcare.
For in-house office meetings and breaks, the advisory recommends millet-based snacks and food that is low in fat, oil, sugar, high in fibre, and free from additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG). It calls for serving fresh cut fruits, vegetable salads and sprouts, along with roasted and unsalted nuts. Seeds including pumpkin, flax, and sunflower have also been suggested.
