Parents should face a posible imprisonment if they impose a vegan diet on their children, according to an Italian politician who says it can make children malnourished.
The legislation was proposed by Elvira Savino of the Forza Italia party, and would see parents who provide their children with an “inadequate” diet handed sentences of up to four years in jail.
Vegan diets often leave children lacking in iron, zinc and important vitamins for growth, according to Ms Savino, with neurological problems and anaemia leading on from severe malnutrition.
The ‘Savino law’ aims to “stigmatise the reckless and dangerous eating behaviour imposed by parents” who pursue a vegan diet, “to the detriment of minors”.
Under the conditions of the proposal, the member of parliament wrote: “For some years the belief has been spreading in Italy that a vegetarian diet, even in the rigid form of a vegan diet, results in significant health benefits.
“There is no objection if the person making this choice is an informed adult. A problem arises when children are involved.”
There have been four recent high-profile cases of malnourished children being removed from the care of their parents, after they had been coerced into adopting a vegan diet.
(Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy:boldsky.com)
