Maharashtra Mandates Healthy Food and Millets in Government Offices and Canteens

MUMBAI — Healthy foods and beverages including millet khichdi, sprouts curry, and solkadhi must now be served in government canteens and during official meetings and events across Maharashtra, according to an order issued by the state Public Health Department on Wednesday.

The Government Resolution mandates a gradual reduction in ultra-processed foods as well as items with excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats across state administrative setups.

According to the order, the new healthy menu will be formulated in line with guidelines established by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The primary emphasis will be on serving food prepared with low levels of salt, sugar, and cooking oil.

For short meetings and general refreshments, the state guidelines recommend serving seasonal fruits, boiled eggs, nuts, seeds, sprouts, and roasted or boiled chickpeas and peanuts. Other approved refreshment options include vegetable poha, idli-sambar, vegetable upma, and millet khichdi.

The resolution also lists permitted beverages for official gatherings. Government offices have been directed to serve coconut water, buttermilk, solkadhi, unsweetened milk, unsweetened green or herbal tea, and lemon water prepared with limited amounts of sugar or jaggery.

For extended half-day and full-day official programmes, canteens and organisers are instructed to offer traditional staples. The permitted lunch and dinner options include jowar, bajra, or ragi bhakri, multigrain chapati, and hand-pounded or brown rice alongside dal or usal.

Meal spreads must also feature leafy and seasonal vegetables cooked with minimal oil, accompanied by curd or buttermilk. In place of traditional sweets, menus are required to provide fresh salads and fruits.