Food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the sale and advertisement of junk food within a 50-meter radius of school campuses and school canteens. FSSAI called it a step to encourage safe and nutritious food for children. The proposed ban on the sale, as well as advertisements for junk foods, are contained in FSSAI’s draft regulation titled ‘Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and healthy diets for School Children) Regulations, 2019’.
“Sufficient transition time will be given to all stakeholders before enforcing these regulations,” the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said. Meanwhile, FSSAI would direct the State Food Authorities/Department of School Education to frame safe and balanced diets for children in school in accordance with the general guidance given in these regulations, it added. This is a first-of-its-kind regulation brought under the Food Safety and Standard Act and aims to introduce wholesome food to school-going kids, as per FSSAI CEO Arun Singhal.
“Foods which are referred to as high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) cannot be sold to school children in school canteens or mess premises or hostel kitchens or within 50 metres of the school campus,” a senior FSSAI official told. Also, food business operators (FBOs) manufacturing HFSS foods are “barred from advertising and marketing of such foods to children in school premises including through logos, brand names, posters, textbook covers etc. or in an area within fifty meters from the school gate in any direction.”
The FSSAI has proposed that school authorities will have to adopt a comprehensive programme for promoting safe food and healthy diets among school children. The school campus should be converted into ‘Eat Right School’ focusing on safe and healthy food, local and seasonal food and no food waste as per the specified benchmarks. The FSSAI official said that the canteens, mess, and kitchens operating in schools will need to have a license from FSSAI. The registration or license would ensure they comply with the requirements of hygienic practices as specified under schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, the official said.
