No more junk food at Fiji schools

Suva, Oct 31 (IANS) Fiji wants all school canteens to just sell fruits and vegetables.

Fiji's health ministry said Monday that it wants all school canteens in the island nation to enforce rules that promote healthy eating habits.

Health ministry spokesperson Peni Namotu said health inspectors will monitor schools to ensure guidelines are followed, reported Xinhua.

The sale of oily food, sweets and fizzy drinks at the canteens are a major concern, said Namotu, adding school canteens should be selling fruit as well as vegetables and fruit juice.

He said those schools which failed to comply with the guidelines should face legal action.

Fiji spends 39 percent of its health budget to tackle obesity and related problems.

Health Minister Neil Sharma said mothers in the island nation were breastfeeding their infants less, and spending more money and time on formula and bottle feed.

In Fiji, a ban will soon be placed on junk food advertising.

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