Fact of the FAD

The recent online survey by the Centre for Science and Environment shows that schoolchildren are increasingly consuming packaged food products, high in fat, salt or sugar

1 High on packaged food items

Those consuming more than once a week on an average (%) Note: (i) Packaged Food: Chips, instant noodles, chocolates and ice-creams; (ii) Packaged Beverages: Carbonated beverages (soft drinks), Juice-based packaged beverages & Milk-based packaged beverages like sweet lassi; (iii) Fast Food: Fries, pizzas, etc. from fast food outlets; (iv) Street Food: Chaat, samosa, etc; (v) Sweets: Cake, pastry, mithai, etc; (vi) Concentrate-based beverages: sherbats, squash, etc

2 Balanced diet takes a hit

Respondents (%) 6-7 days/ week but less times Less than 6 days/week Average < 2 times/day Cereals & Millets Note: Less times means: (i) Cereals 1-2 times/day; (ii) Vegetables and Milk & milk products: 1 time/day; (iii) Pulses (for vegetarians) : 1 time/day Limitation: For non-vegetarians, data does not capture the spread of the intake of pulses, eggs, meat & fish and only relies on average no. of times per day

3 Peer pressure, compelling ads, lead to a change in habit 4 High the screen time, higher the unhealthy diet

Children who consume fast food & packaged food at least once a day

High the screen time, lesser the physical activity 6 When school serves junk

% of children who have packaged food & beverages over twice a week consume at school, or buy from or near school Carbonated beverages