FSSAI proposes ban on sale, ads of junk foods in school canteens, within 50m of campus

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 ...