In an attempt to promote healthy eating amongst school children, the FSSAI has banned the sale of junk food within a 50-metre radius of schools. The proposed ban on the sale, as well as advertisements for junk foods, are contained in FSSAI’s draft regulation titled Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and healthy diets for School Children) Regulations, 2019. The Food and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought comments from stakeholders within 30 days on the draft rules.
These junk foods include potato wafers, soft drinks, packed foods, and so on, in the vicinity of school campuses. It includes, on a broad spectrum, those foods that are low in nutrients (such as vitamins, minerals and fibre) and high in kilojoules, saturated fat, added sugar and/or added salt. Regular consumption of junk food has been linked to an increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and some cancers.
It also prescribes regular inspection of premises to ensure that safe, healthy and hygienic food is served to students. Nutritionists, dietitians must be engaged by the school administration to assist in the preparation of menu for the children, periodically.
“We have received comments from various stakeholders and we are now compiling these suggestions. A technical committee will look into these recommendations,” said Pawan Kumar Agarwal, CEO, FSSAI. He said it would take around 1-2 months to finalize the regulations and then the same would be sent to the health ministry for the final approval.