Maharashtra FDA cracks down on junk food near schools: Key rules explained

Maharashtra Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe while adressing the media on Wednesday (Pic/Anushree Gaikwad)

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a statewide crackdown to enforce school food safety regulations, bringing nearly 1.08 lakh schools and around 2 crore students under stricter nutrition and food safety norms. The move aims to eliminate unhealthy food from school environments and promote balanced diets among children.

Here are the key points you need to know:

HFSS food banned in and around schools

The sale, advertisement and free distribution of high-fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) food items is banned:

• Inside school premises
• Within a 50-metre radius of school compounds
• The ban applies to all schools across Maharashtra.

All schools covered

The regulations apply to:

• Government schools
• Government-aided schools
• Private schools
• Schools affiliated with SSC, HSC, CBSE, ICSE, IB and all other education boards.

Restaurants and food outlets also under scanner

The FDA said enforcement will not be restricted to school canteens.

Restaurants, sweet shops and other food outlets located within 50 metres of schools will also be inspected for compliance.

Schools must serve healthier food

Schools have been directed to promote nutritious food, including:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Pulses
• Whole grains
• Milk
• Locally available healthy food

Schools must also ensure:

• Safe drinking water
• Hygienic food preparation and storage
• Pest control
• Proper waste management.

Mandatory FSSAI licence

All food operators supplying schools - including:

• School canteens
• Tuck shops
• Hostel kitchens
• Mid-day meal providers
• Must have a valid FSSAI registration and licence. Unlicensed operators will not be permitted to supply food.

Birthday chocolates, samosas and laddoos under scrutiny

The FDA clarified that enforcement extends beyond canteens.
Schools have been advised against distributing or serving:

• Chocolates
• Samosa
• Vada pav
• Laddoos
• Other deep-fried, sugary or trans-fat-rich foods during birthdays, Independence Day, Diwali and other celebrations.

Parents, teachers and principals can be held accountable

Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said responsibility for compliance rests with:

• School managements
• Principals
• Teachers
• Parents
• Authorities said action may be taken if violations are found.

Two inspections every year

The FDA will conduct at least two inspections annually in every school to monitor compliance. Schools are also required to:

• Appoint a Food Safety Supervisor
• Appoint a Health and Wellness Ambassador
• Display food safety information
• Conduct regular food safety checks
• Collect at least one food sample every year.

Children covered

The regulations apply to children from 22 months of age up to Class 12 students.

Penalties for violations

• Schools and food suppliers violating the norms may face:
• Improvement notices
• Suspension or cancellation of FSSAI licences
• Seizure of food products
• Prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
• Other penal action.

Repeated violations may lead to de-affiliation

The FDA has instructed education boards to notify all affiliated schools about the regulations.
Mundhe warned that schools repeatedly violating the norms could face action regarding their affiliation with education boards, signalling that de-affiliation is a possible consequence for persistent non-compliance.

Why the crackdown?

According to the FDA, the initiative is aimed at encouraging healthy eating habits from an early age and reducing the risk of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol among children. Officials described the move as a public health initiative involving schools, parents and society, rather than merely a regulatory exercise.