Mumbai schools are revamping their canteen menus as the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) steps up enforcement of rules restricting junk food in and around educational institutions. Popular items such as vada pav, samosa and aerated drinks are being removed, while schools are introducing alternatives including idli, dosa, poha, sheera and upma.
The move follows the FDA’s statewide directive to stop the sale, free distribution and advertising of foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) on school premises and within 50 metres of school gates. The action is based on the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020, which have been in place nationally but are now being enforced more strictly in Maharashtra.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has directed officials to ensure compliance and conduct awareness programmes for school authorities, while schools have been asked to report violations and work with local bodies where necessary.
Healthier Menus Replace Junk Food
The impact of the crackdown is already visible in Mumbai, where schools are reconsidering what they offer children during breaks. Canteen menus that once featured familiar fried snacks and sugary drinks are being replaced with more traditional and nutritious options such as idli, dosa, poha, sheera and upma. The intention is not simply to remove certain foods, but to make healthier choices easily available to students.
Mundhe has stressed that food served to children should be healthy, safe and nutritious rather than selected only for taste. In a recent message on food safety, he called for greater focus on wholesome foods, including fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, milk and other locally nutritious options. He also highlighted the need for clean drinking water and proper sanitation, pest control, temperature control and waste management wherever food is prepared or served.
In Mumbai, an awareness programme on the regulations was attended by around 900 representatives from government and private schools, along with 50 midday meal suppliers. The programme aimed to help principals, headmasters, school food committees and food suppliers understand their responsibilities and implement the rules consistently.
What The 50-Metre Rule Means
The crackdown draws on the 2020 regulations issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Under these rules, food products high in saturated fat or trans-fat, added sugar or sodium cannot be sold to schoolchildren on campus or within 50 metres of a school gate. The regulations also prohibit their marketing and advertising in school premises.
Maharashtra’s latest enforcement drive has brought renewed attention to these provisions. The FDA has directed schools to ensure that prohibited foods are not sold within the campus or surrounding 50-metre area. Schools are expected to report violations to the FDA, while institutions in rural areas can seek support from gram panchayats and sarpanchs to ensure compliance.
The measures extend beyond school canteens. The Maharashtra FDA has also made food safety licences or registrations mandatory for school kitchens, midday meal centres, hostel kitchens and food suppliers. The rules apply to government, aided and private schools, with school authorities expected to take responsibility for ensuring that children have access to safe and balanced food.
Mundhe has warned that violations could invite regulatory action, including improvement notices, licensing action, seizure and prosecution where required. The FDA has also indicated that the current drive is part of a broader effort to improve food safety around educational institutions, including action against eateries and vendors that fail to follow the norms.
Why Fried Food Needs A Closer Look
Samosas, vada pav and similar fried snacks are popular because they are inexpensive, convenient and filling. However, deep-frying can substantially increase the energy content of food, while the overall nutritional value depends on the ingredients, preparation method and portion size. When fried foods are regularly consumed instead of meals containing pulses, vegetables, whole grains and other nutrient-rich foods, children may receive fewer essential nutrients while consuming more fat, salt and calories.
Cooking practices matter too. The FSSAI’s school-food guidance specifically says reheated fats and oils should be avoided. This is relevant because repeatedly heating cooking oil can lead to undesirable compounds and is one reason food-safety practices around frying deserve attention.
Sugary and aerated drinks present another concern. WHO guidance recommends limiting drinks high in free sugars, noting that high sugar intake can contribute to unhealthy weight gain and tooth decay. Replacing these drinks with water, buttermilk or other less sugary choices can therefore make the school food environment healthier without requiring children to give up flavour altogether.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Children spend a significant part of their day in schools, making the food environment around them an important part of their health and development. Restricting unhealthy options is a positive step, but enforcement should go hand in hand with education rather than simply punishment.
Schools, parents, canteen operators, vendors and authorities all have a role in helping children understand why balanced food matters. At the same time, healthier options must remain affordable, appealing and accessible so that the change feels practical rather than imposed. If implemented with awareness, dialogue and cooperation, the initiative could help children develop healthier habits that extend beyond the school gate. Do you think replacing popular junk food with healthier local options can help children make better food choices in the long run?
