FSSAI Proposes Ban On Sale And Ads Of Junk Food In School Canteens
FSSAI has sought comments from stakeholders within 30 days on its draft regulations for banning junk food in and around schools.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued draft regulations proposing a ban on sale as well as advertisements of junk foods in school canteens and within 50 metres of school campuses as part of its objective to ensure safe and wholesome food for children.
The food regulator has 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 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 manufacturing HFSS food products 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’s Chief Executive Officer Pawan Kumar Agarwal had announced that the regulator has proposed banning advertisements of unhealthy food in and around school.
The school authority itself or food business operators contracted by it and FBOs contracted by Department of School Education for 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.
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' focusing safe and healthy food, local and seasonal food and no food waste as per the specified benchmarks.
"Encourage school authorities to promote consumption of a safe and balanced diet in the school as per the guidelines issued by the National Institute of Nutrition," the draft regulation said.
The school authorities would have to ensure that FBOs supplying prepared meals in the premises are on the basis of general guidance provided in the regulation and as per the direction issued by the Food Authority or the Commissioners of Food safety. Nutrionists, dietitians must be engaged by the school administration to assist in the preparation of menu for the children, periodically.
"FBOs to support healthy eating in schools and not market, sell, or give away low- nutrition foods anywhere on school campus, including through logos, brand names, posters, textbook covers etc," the draft said.
It also prescribes regular inspection of premises to ensure that safe, healthy and hygienic food is served to students. The FSSAI proposes creation of 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.
“The FSSAI proposes creation of a sub-committee by the State Level Advisory Committee to monitor the implementation of this regulations and to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food to school children,” the regulator said.
These regulations, after consideration of stakeholder comments and finalisation, will be finalised for implementation.
Meanwhile, the FSSAI said it will direct State Food Authorities or Department of School Education to frame heathy diets for school children in accordance with the general guidance given in this regulation.