'Healthy Food Make Kids Learn Better': FSSAI To Ban Sale Of Junk Food In And Around Schools

Food regulator (FSSAI) drafted regulations proposing a ban on sale as well as advertisement of junk foods in school canteens and within 50 metres around school campuses on November 4, Tuesday. This comes as a part of its objective to ensure safe and healthy food for children.

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No more junk food for sale in school canteens and stores near schools, according to a draft regulation by the Central Government issued recently. It also states that no shop will be allowed to sell these item within a 50m radius. Read more at https://t.co/nweQiEMZgm

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FSSAI has also 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 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 advertisements of unhealthy food in and around schools.

“The FBOs contracted by Department of School Education for the operation of the mid-day meal scheme will have to “obtain a registration or license” as applicable and comply with the requirements of sanitary and hygienic practices specified under the food safety law,” he said.

The FSSAI has proposed that school authorities will have to adopt a comprehensive programme for promoting safe food and healthy diets among school children. The school campus should be converted into ‘Eat Right School’ ensuring safe and healthy food.

“Encourage school authorities to promote the consumption of a safe and balanced diet in the school as per the guidelines issued by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN),” the draft regulation read.

FSSAI also suggested that nutritionists and dietitians must be engaged by the school administration to assist in the preparation of the menu for children.

“FBOs to support healthy eating in schools and not market, sell, or give away low- nutrition foods anywhere on the school campus, including through logos, brand names, posters, textbook covers etc,” the draft noted.

The FSSAI proposes a sub-committee by the State Level Advisory Committee to monitor the implementation of these regulations and to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food to school children.

“A healthy food make our kids feel better, grow better and learn better and right eating habits can be engrained in the children from a young age. At the heart of these regulations is a fundamental idea to make it clear what is healthy for children and what is not,” the regulator said.

Meanwhile, the FSSAI said it will direct State Food Authorities or Department of School Education to frame a healthy diet for school children in accordance with the general guidance given in this regulation.

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