Prohibition on sale and advertisement of unhealthy food items within 50 meters of school

New delhi date. Monday 10 August 2020

Arun Singh, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, has banned the sale of junk food and unhealthy foods in schools and other educational institutions. At the same time, the sale and advertisement of unhealthy food items within a 50-meter radius of the school premises has been banned. This step has been taken to ensure child safety and nutritious meals.

This will provide safe and balanced diet to school children, the official said. Foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar cannot be sold in the school canteen or in the mess or hostel kitchen or within a 50 meter radius of the school premises.

Foods include pizza, burgers, cold drinks, chips, french fries, samosas, pastries, sandwiches, bread pakodas, etc. Officials say the school has to get a license to run a canteen, mess, kitchen. Food distributors who join the Mid Day Meal through the Department of Education will also have to register or obtain a license.