To enhance the taste and appearance of junk food and its shelf life as well, chemical additives are added into junk food. All of these additional additives result in behavioral problems in children, such as hyperactivity and inattention (Smith 2005). According to the Medical Association President, Dr Bill Cray says that the existence of junk food at school has led to malnutrition issue in students and affected their healthy development and growth, and their learning ability is depressed. Besides that, a noticeable improvement in student’s behavior in class is observed by teacher since the removal of junk food and soft drink form the canteen. The students turn into calmer after lunch (The Food Show 2005).
Junk foods are also accused as the major cause of health problems especially childhood obesity. Childhood obesity can stimulate future illness such as heart disease, osteoarthritis, and some cancers (Weekend News 2005). Snack food such as biscuits, cookies, chips, confectionery, hamburgers, soft drinks and so on are categorized as low nutritional value food by Health Foundation (2005). It is typically high in salt, sugar, or fat and mostly contains artificial flavor enhancers (Smith 2005). Undeniable, junk food increases the kilojoule intake greatly and leads to weight gain. The problem is even compounded by the fact that most of the teenagers do not practice adequate physical activity (Weekend News 2005).
In addition, sale of junk food is the main contributor to litter problem in school. Tins, crisp packets, cartons and plastic containers are thrown everywhere by students after they consumed it (The Food Show 2005). Litter can be health hazardous and causes school to pay more in cleaning expense and also tarnish the reputation of our community (Smith 2005). Owing to litter problem, the groundsman has to spend more time on clean up the rubbish rather than maintenance projects (The Food Show 2005).
All in all, the sale of junk food in school canteens has caused vast problems such as environmental issue and health hazardous. Although some may argue that there are benefits in sale of junk food inside the school compound. However, after comparing its pros and cons, we can find out solid evidences that its disadvantages is exceeded its advantages. Lastly, a dietian, Samira Karimi advocated that schools are obligated for the welfare and safety of student, and that includes their health in The Food Show (2005). Therefore, I firmly agree that sale of junk food in school canteens for the sake of students.
