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

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration FDA has launched a statewide crackdown to enforce school food safety regulations bringing nearly 108 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 childrenHere are the key points you need to knowHFSS food banned in and around schoolsThe sale advertisement and free distribution of highfat salt and sugar HFSS food items is bannedInside school premisesWithin a 50metre radius of school compoundsThe ban applies to all schools across MaharashtraAll schools coveredThe regulations apply toGovernment schoolsGovernmentaided schoolsPrivate schoolsSchools affiliated with SSC HSC CBSE ICSE IB and all other education boardsRestaurants and food outlets also under scannerThe FDA said enforcement will not be restricted to school canteensRestaurants sweet shops and other food outlets located within 50 metres of schools will also be inspected for complianceSchools must serve healthier foodSchools have been directed to promote nutritious food includingFruits and vegetablesPulsesWhole grainsMilkLocally available healthy foodSchools must also ensureSafe drinking waterHygienic food preparation and storagePest controlProper waste managementMandatory FSSAI licenceAll food operators supplying schoolsmdashincludingSchool canteensTuck shopsHostel kitchensMidday meal providersMust have a valid FSSAI registration and licence Unlicensed operators will not be permitted to supply foodBirthday chocolates samosas and laddoos under scrutinyThe FDA clarified that enforcement extends beyond canteensSchools have been advised against distributing or servingChocolatesSamosaVada pavLaddoosOther deepfried sugary or transfatrich foods during birthdays Independence Day Diwali and other celebrationsParents teachers and principals can be held accountableFood Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said responsibility for compliance rests withSchool managementsPrincipalsTeachersParentsAuthorities said action may be taken if violations are foundTwo inspections every yearThe FDA will conduct at least two inspections annually in every school to monitor compliance Schools are also required toAppoint a Food Safety SupervisorAppoint a Health and Wellness AmbassadorDisplay food safety informationConduct regular food safety checksCollect at least one food sample every yearChildren coveredThe regulations apply to children from 22 months of age up to Class 12 studentsPenalties for violationsSchools and food suppliers violating the norms may faceImprovement noticesSuspension or cancellation of FSSAI licencesSeizure of food productsProsecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006Other penal actionRepeated violations may lead to deaffiliationThe FDA has instructed education boards to notify all affiliated schools about the regulationsMundhe warned that schools repeatedly violating the norms could face action regarding their affiliation with education boards signalling that deaffiliation is a possible consequence for persistent noncomplianceWhy the crackdownAccording 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