The Karnataka government has issued a detailed nutrition advisory for official meetings and events, directing departments to serve healthier food while avoiding several commonly offered items including fried snacks, milk tea and milk coffee.
The order, dated April 13, aims to promote better eating habits in government workplaces and encourage preventive healthcare through nutrition.
Healthy food for official meetings
The advisory says food currently served at many government meetings is not always healthy and does not support balanced nutrition.
For in-house meetings and short breaks, departments have been advised to serve millet-based snacks that are low in fat, oil and sugar, while being high in fibre.
Recommended options include fresh fruits, vegetable salads, sprouts, roasted unsalted nuts and seeds such as pumpkin, flax and sunflower.
Suggested drinks include green tea and low-fat buttermilk.
What has been discouraged
Departments have been told to avoid several items altogether, including fried snacks, heavily spiced foods, industrially processed food and microwave-heated meals.
The advisory also discourages carbonated drinks, sugary fruit juices, alcohol-based beverages, milk tea and milk coffee.
Water should be boiled and served in glass bottles or steel flasks instead of plastic bottles.
Rules for bigger functions
For larger events, the government has recommended low-oil, low-fat cooked or baked food.
At least one millet item must be included during snacks and a minimum of two millet dishes during meals.
It also recommends brown rice instead of white rice. Where non-vegetarian food is served, lean or white meat has been suggested.
Support for local groups
Departments have also been encouraged to source food from self-help groups, prison kitchens, local cottage industries and nutri-gardens.
The move has drawn attention across Karnataka, with many calling it a positive step towards healthier workplaces.