India, Feb. 20 -- The Karnataka government has decided to stop distributing peanut chikki bars in government and aided schools under the midday meal programme. The move comes after concerns were raised about the nutritional value and safety of these snacks, which were provided as an alternative to eggs.

A directive issued on February 17 highlighted multiple issues related to the chikkis, including excessive levels of unsaturated fats and sugars, as well as challenges in storage and quality control. Reports from various districts indicated instances where chikkis were either expired or stored improperly, leading to possible health risks. A letter from the additional commissioner of school education in Dharwad also pointed out that some ba...