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Junk Food Banned in Polish Schools from Next Year

by Kathy Jones on Oct 24 2014 6:53 PM

 Junk Food Banned in Polish Schools from Next Year
In an attempt to control the rising rates of childhood obesity in the country, the Poland government has revealed that starting January next year it will be placing a ban on junk food in schools.
Around 17 percent of children in Poland suffer from obesity, according to a UNICEF study published last year.

Lawmakers were nearly unanimous in imposing the ban, with 426 voting in favour in the 460-seat lower house of parliament.

Under the new measure, the health ministry will have to draw up a detailed list of foodstuffs approved for distribution in schools nationwide.

Products not on the list will not be allowed. Targets include potato chips, soda, burgers, candy bars and fattening processed foods.

The ban aims to "prevent obesity and pre-obesity in children and teenagers" a government statement said.

It was drafted by the PSL Polish Peasants' Party, the junior coalition partner in the centre-right government and representing the country's large farming sector.

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Worldwide obesity has nearly doubled since 1980, according to the World Health Organization.

Source-AFP


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