Mumbai, Aug 06: According to the World Health Organization, healthy eating in childhood promotes optimal growth and development while reducing the risk of overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other non-communicable diseases later in life.
Even UNICEF notes that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, dairy, eggs, and other protein-rich foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that support immune function and help children fight infections.
Keeping these key points in view, the Food and Drug Administration, Maharashtra Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe directed all schools in the state to ban the sale of unhealthy foods, such as chocolates, chips and cold drinks, from campuses, citing widespread non-compliance with a 2020 central regulation.
According to the official release, the sale, display, or advertisement of foods high in saturated fat, trans-fat, added sugar or sodium is also prohibited on or within 50 metres of the school campuses.
The order invokes Section 30(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to enforce the FSSAI’s Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School Regulations, 2020, rules that took effect from July 2021.
The order directed all schools, Government, aided and private to enforce nutrition standards, the FDA order states that menus must proactively feature fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and dairy.
Addressing a press conference, Tukaram Mundhe said a list of foods, considered unhealthy for school kids, is available on the FDA website. The directive applies to all pre-primary, primary, elementary and secondary schools, residential schools and hostels, and institutions affiliated with the State Board, CBSE, ICSE or any other board. It binds every food business operator (FBO), canteen, mid-day meal provider, hostel kitchen and tuck shop operating on or near school premises.
The order notes that violations of food safety law can carry penalties up to life imprisonment under Section 59 of the Act, depending on the harm caused.
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