FSSAI proposes ban on the sale, ads of junk foods in school canteens, within 50m of campus
NEW DELHI: Food regulator FSSAI on Tuesday issued draft regulations proposing a ban on sale as well as advertisements of junk foods in school canteens and within 50 metres around school campuses as part of its objective to ensure safe and wholesome food for children.
The Food and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought comments from stakeholders within 30 days on its draft regulations titled ‘Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and healthy diets for School Children) Regulations, 2019’.
“Foods which are referred to as foods 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 meters of the school campus,” FSSAI said.
The food business operators (FBOS) manufacturing HFSS food products would be barred from advertising such foods in school premises or within 50 meters of the school campus, it added.
In June this year, FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal had announced that the regulator has proposed banning advertisements of unhealthy food in and around the school.
The school authority itself or food business operators (FBOS) contracted by it, and FBOS contracted by Department of School Education for the operation of the mid-day meal scheme will have to “obtain a registration or license” as applicable and comply with the requirements of sanitary and hygienic practices specified under the food safety law.
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 safe and healthy food, local and seasonal food and no food waste as per the specified benchmarks.
“Encourage school authorities to promote the consumption of a safe and balanced diet in the school as per the guidelines issued by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN),” the draft regulation said.
The school authorities would have to ensure that FBOS supplying prepared meals in the premises are based on general guidance provided in the regulation and as per the direction issued by the Food Authority or the Commissioners of Food safety.