Maharashtra FDA Bans Junk Food In Schools, 50-Metre Radius

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an order to prohibit the sale, marketing, and free distribution of junk food within all school campuses and a 50-metre radius of school gates across the state. This move aims to promote healthy eating among children.

The order, issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, applies to all government, aided, private, and residential schools affiliated with the State Board, CBSE, ICSE, and other education boards.

The directive mandates that all school canteens, tuck shops, hostel kitchens, PM POSHAN kitchens, and food suppliers possess a valid FSSAI licence or registration.

According to Mundhe, the regulations are not new and have been in force since 2020. However, the FDA has now directed officials to ensure stricter enforcement, and action will be taken against violators.

Schools have been directed to replace junk food with healthier alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, milk, and locally available nutritious foods. They must also ensure safe drinking water, hygienic food preparation, proper storage, temperature control, pest control, and waste management.

Every school has been asked to appoint a Food Safety Supervisor and a Health and Wellness Ambassador or nodal officer, besides displaying a Food Safety Display Board.

The order assigns specific responsibilities to the School Education Department, education boards, local self-government bodies, Food Safety Officers, school managements, parents, and students.

It also makes compliance with the School Food Regulations mandatory for school affiliation and renewal.

Every school will undergo at least two food safety inspections annually, with one food sample to be collected each year. Violators, including schools, canteens, food suppliers, and vendors, will face improvement notices, licence suspension or cancellation, seizure of food, prosecution, and other action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The FDA said the easy availability of junk food around schools has contributed to rising childhood obesity, anaemia, micronutrient deficiencies, poor concentration, and an increased risk of lifestyle diseases.

The initiative aims to develop every institution as an Eat Right School and every canteen as a model healthy food centre.

This move is expected to have a significant impact on the health and well-being of children in Maharashtra, promoting healthy eating habits from a young age.

The FDA's initiative is a step in the right direction, and its success will depend on the collective efforts of parents, education authorities, local bodies, and other stakeholders.