Students for improving quality of food at school, college canteens.

ISLAMABAD -- Students of the public sector educational institutions of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) have complained about the poor quality of meals being provided in school college canteens.

They said they did not have any other choice than to eat unhygienic foods at the canteens due to lack of proper check and balance.

Parents have demanded of action by the authorities concerned to improve the nutritional standard of the food supplied in the canteens at schools, colleges working under Federal Directorate of Education (FDE).

According to the parents the children prefer to eat from school canteens rather than home made lunch. The biggest concern, however, is the quality of food they eat, they added.

Sabir Ali a father of student said due to lack of proper monitoring, most school canteens serve unhealthy junk food, which attracts children due to its affordable price and eye-catching presentation.

These items should be strictly checked for their hygienic condition and nutritious value. Especially in the case of fried items, the oil used is usually of low quality and often not replaced for several days, Jahanzaib another father told this scribe.

He said this ultimately affects the health of children who suffer from food poisoning, infections and diarrhea etc.

Samina Khan a mother of a student Ayaz urged the school authorities to take notice of this matter and ensure proper hygienic conditions should be maintained.

Dr Hafiz Muhammad Shafiq, a medical specialist and cardiologist told reporter that low quality food supplied in school canteens is the reason of a number of diseases.

Studies have also shown that strong bone formation occurs between the age of six to 18 and a healthy body required not fewer than 1,000 mg of calcium per day.

In other words, a child who depends on milk for calcium...