The increasing consumption of fast food in the country has become a matter of concern for the nation.

           Recently news has come that there has been a huge increase in per capita expenditure on fast food (processed) in the country. This news is not good and in many ways is worrisome. Now fast food has reached our rural areas, where there is still hope for a traditional and healthy diet. While diseases are increasing rapidly due to fast food, manpower,

        The economy and the environment are also being harmed. Therefore, eating fast food may be a personal choice, but it should also be a matter of concern for the nation. The trend of fast food is increasing in our country, but there are many countries where efforts are being made to reduce its consumption. For example, the sale of fast food in schools in France has been strictly prohibited. Under the 'Healthy School Menu' campaign, focus is being laid on healthy and nutrient-rich food in schools.

       Denmark implemented 'fat tax' in 2015, which aimed to reduce the amount of trans fat in food items. In New Zealand, children are made aware of the dangers of fast food and healthy food options are given in schools. Apart from this, advertisements of unhealthy food products for children have also been banned. 'Soda tax' was implemented in Mexico, which imposed additional tax on high sugar beverages to control its sale. Similarly, many campaigns are being run in Singapore regarding healthy diet. In Australia, Canada and Indonesia, children are being made aware about the side effects of fast food. Schools have also started awareness campaigns. In India too, many efforts are being made to distance from fast food. The government has started schemes to create awareness about balanced and healthy diet under the 'National Nutrition Mission'. Shrianna Abhiyan is also a part of it. Last year, with the help of the Government of India, the United Nations declared the year of millets (coarse grains). But these efforts are not enough yet, because the way the number and budget of fast food eaters is increasing, its side effects will be more severe. Instead of looking at it only from the point of view of personal health, if we look at it from the point of view of the country's system and socio-economic point of view, we will be able to manage it better. Recently, the Central Government, i.e. a group of ministers, suggested increasing the 'sin tax' from 28% to 35%. This tax is imposed on those products which are considered harmful for health, such as fast food, sugary drinks, cigarettes etc. The main intention of the government behind increasing it is to reduce their sale and improve public health.।

        The fast food industry is a major source of plastic waste. Every fast food item uses non-biodegradable products such as plastic containers, spoons, straws and packaging, which form a large part of the waste. These take hundreds of years to decompose. Large amounts of leftover and spoiled food are thrown away at fast food outlets, which wastes resources and generates greenhouse gases such as methane, which contribute to climate change. Excessive consumption of fast food also has a serious impact on health. The oil, fat, sugar, salt and artificial ingredients present in it can cause obesity, diabetes, heart disease and mental illnesses. This increases health expenditure, which puts an economic burden on both the government and the individual. This budget hinders spending on education, infrastructure and employment. The impact of fast food is even deeper at the social level. It also increases distance in family relationships, aversion to traditional food and problems of farmers. The mentality of linking fast food with social status also promotes the problem. To avoid this, adopting traditional food and collective efforts are very important.

Manas Kumar Kar 

Kotanga, Konark 

7381382210