Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) CEO Arun Singhal has banned the sale of junk food and unhealthy foods in schools and other educational institutions.
Also, FSSAI has banned the sale and advertisement of unhealthy food items within a 50 meter radius of school campuses. This step has been taken to ensure safety and nutritious food for school children.
FSSAI is implementing new principles under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Its purpose is to provide safe, nutritious and quality food for school children.
A senior FSSAI official said that this will provide safe food and balanced diet for children in schools. Foods that contain large amounts of fat, salt and sugar may not be sold in schools’ canteens or messes or hostel kitchens or within 50 meters of the school premises. Such foods include pizzas, burgers, cold drinks, chips, french fries, samosas, pastries, sandwiches, bread pakoras, etc.
Delhi High Court Ordered for Junk Food Sell Ban in School
In 2015, the Delhi High Court ordered FSSAI to lay down rules on the sale of junk food in school canteens. Subsequently, the authority’s expert committee prepared new guidelines for providing healthy food for children in schools.
The official says that those who operate canteen, mess, kitchen in the school will have to get license from FSSAI. Along with this, the food traders contracted by the Department of Mid Day Meal will also have to register with FSSAI or get a license.
