Maharashtra Schools Junk Food Ban: In an attempt to promote the habit of healthy eating among children, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on the sale, distribution, and advertisement of junk foods on school premises and in nearby regions. As per the advisory, action will be taken against the individuals found selling or distributing foods high in fat, trans-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) in school or within a 50-metre radius of the building.
Junk Foods Banned In Schools
With the implementation of the order, several popular food items will get banned, including vada pav, samosas, snacks, chips, cold drinks, chocolates and ice cream. The officials stated that the latest order applies to all schools of the state and is likely to impact over two crore students.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Wednesday stated that the concerned principal and school management should implement the new rules strictly. "I want to make it clear that excess fat, excess trans fat and excess sugar products, including deeply fried foods, excessive sugar drinks, vada pav, samosa, cold drinks, chocolates and ice cream, such junk foods are strictly not allowed inside schools to be sold, not be distributed freely, advertise and also not in the surrounding (50 metres range)," Mundhe was quoted as saying by India Today.
'Principal Should Implement This Strictly'
"Principal and School Management should implement this strictly, and there should also be awareness about it among parents," he added. Mundhe further stated that the state will begin the inspection soon, adding that strict action will be taken against those failing to implement the order.
He further stated that the order applies to all the schools of Maharashtra irrespective of the education board, adding that the step aims to cover the students between the ages of 22 months and 17 years. "Children need a healthy and balanced diet during their growing years. Proper nutrition, vitamins and essential nutrients are critical for their overall development," he said.