FSSAI: Ban on sale of junk food within 50 meters of school premises

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSAAI) has taken a big decision with the aim of providing safe and healthy food to school children. FSAAI CEO Arun Singhal has issued regulations on the sale of other unhealthy food, including junk food, in school canteens. The food regulator has banned unhealthy food within 50 meters of the school premises. 

FSAAI aims to provide safe, nutritious and healthy food to school children under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Foods that are particularly high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) can no longer be sold within 50 meters of school children's canteens or hostel kitchens.

Also, FSAAI suggests that food business operators contracted with the Department of Education to operate mid-day meal plan must obtain registration or license from the Apex Food Regulatory Agency.

Municipal officials on the school premises and the state administration should regularly inspect and provide safe, healthy and hygienic food to the students, the official said.

"According to the guidelines issued by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), school authorities should promote safe and balanced food consumption in schools," said another senior official, adding that schools should implement these regulations immediately after the date.