Sir: Food is indispensable to all human beings but very often we come across illnesses attributed to over or under consumption of food or the lack of a healthy diet. Most of our health problems can be prevented by following a healthy diet. Children are badly affected due to a change in dietary pattern because they eat more unhygienic food from the canteens of their schools and colleges. The quality of food provided by canteens of leading institutions has been degrading day by day and everybody has expressed concern about it. An improvement in the basic hygiene, quality of food and service is the most important matter that is being ignored at canteens. The staff of canteens cook food with their unclean hands in oil that is not fresh. Their kitchens present a very dirty picture while they prepare food for students. The food and drinks are not covered. The food contains harmful preservatives and colours and is costly too. The canteen workers do not care about the cleanliness of the food during handling, cooking, transporting, displaying and selling. There are no food inspectors or anyone else to check them. This is the reason most students fall ill and suffer from various diseases. The Ministry of Education should take some steps for the improvement of canteen management. There should be some food inspectors who can check the working of canteens to see whether they are providing fresh food or not. Lastly, cleanliness should be given top of priority. IQRA KHURRAM Lahore