===Junk Food Second Draft Woo~===

The term ‘junk food’ refers to food that contains low nutritional value includes takeaway foods, pre-packaged meals and sugary snack foods (Tran 2005). Over the past 30 years, the nutritional value of food eaten by Australian children has been falling tremendously due to the increased availability and consumption of junk food. Recently there is issue arises whether the sale of junk food should be banned or not. I go for banning because the consumption of junk food brings a lot of disadvantages than benefit.

One of the reasons I choose for banning is because junk food generally contain a high amount of fat, salt or sugar. This is the reason why junk food has a lot of flavor plus some of it contains synthetic flavor enhancers. Most of the junk foods has chemical additives which to enhance flavour and colour besides increase the shelf life (Smith 2005). It is proven that all these additives causes behavioural problems in children. Hyperactivity and poor concentration are some of the examples of it (Smith 2005).

Apart from that, junk food can contribute to the youth weight gain. The intake of potato chips, chocolate bars and instant noodles just to name a few can raise the kilojoules and lead to weight gain (Tran 2005). All these food is high in fat and sugar. Even most of the young people nowadays do not get enough physical activity which worsening the situation. Childhood obesity can lead to more serious cases in future such as heart disease, osteoarthritis and some cancers. Plus, the sale of soft drinks in school has decline the dental health of Australia’s primary-school children (Tran 2005).

Another reason is the sale of junk food contributes to litter problem. The fast food packaging is the main contributor to this problem. There are cans, crisp packets, cartons and plastics containers everywhere around the school compounds (The Food Show 2005). As the litter problems arise, school has to spend extra money for the cleaning costs. If the sale of junk food be banned, the school grounds man will spent less time to clear the ground and more time can be spend on maintenance projects that benefits the school. School which has reduced the sale of junk food also reduced their litter problem. Indirectly, this can create a negative image for our communities (Smith 2005).

In conclusion, it is essential for students to get enough nutrients for healthy development and growth. With lack of nutrients, their learning ability might be reduced. Recently one particular school has removed the sale of junk food and soft drink in canteen and there are significance improvements in student’s behaviour in class. Students become much calmer after lunch time (The Food Show 2005). By banning the sale of junk food, school can educate and promote the students about the good nutrition and good eating habits as well. After all, school is the one who responsible for the welfare and safety of students including their health.