The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has directed the Women and Child Development Department to eliminate added sugar from Amrutham Nutrimix, citing health concerns and regulatory compliance, pending scientific review and public awareness initiatives.
The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has ordered the Women and Child Development Department to remove added sugar from Amrutham Nutrimix, the low-cost supplement distributed to children through anganwadis, according to reports in The Hindu and other local media.
The panel said the recipe should be reviewed by a high-level committee with the help of health and food safety officials before any change is made. It also asked the department to examine whether jaggery could be used in small amounts instead of sugar, while making clear that any revised formula must be backed by scientific assessment.
The move follows a complaint from Sahila K. of Palakkad, who argued that the product’s sugar content was inconsistent with World Health Organization advice and could contribute to lifestyle-related illnesses in children. The WHO says free sugars should be kept below 10% of total daily energy intake, and suggests that lowering that share to 5% or less may bring additional health benefits.
Commission member Shajesh Bhaskar P. said the nutritional profile of the supplement should be aligned more closely with the age and health needs of the children who receive it. The panel also directed the department to set age-based serving limits for Nutrimix under the Take Home Ration scheme and to ensure that packaging clearly lists ingredient quantities, nutritional information and recommended serving sizes.
According to the commission’s directions reported by Onmanorama, Kaumudi and other outlets, officials should also step up awareness among anganwadi workers and families about preparation methods and healthy eating practices. The department said Amrutham Nutrimix is made by Kudumbashree units using a formulation developed by the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute in Kasaragod, and that it was designed to meet children’s calorie and protein needs.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
