In a major move aimed at improving children's health and promoting healthy eating habits, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a statewide ban on the sale of unhealthy foods and beverages within 50 metres of all schools.

The directive, issued by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, prohibits the sale, advertisement and distribution of foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) around educational institutions. The order has been implemented following recommendations from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to reduce childhood obesity and lifestyle-related diseases.

The new guidelines are expected to impact millions of students studying across Maharashtra and will significantly change how food is sold inside and around school campuses.

Why Has Maharashtra Introduced This Ban?

According to the Maharashtra FDA, the primary objective is to create a healthier food environment for children.

The government aims to:

• Reduce childhood obesity

• Prevent early-onset diabetes

• Lower excessive sugar and salt consumption

• Encourage healthier eating habits

• Improve students' overall nutrition

• Reduce children's exposure to ultra-processed foods

Health experts have repeatedly warned that regular consumption of junk food increases the risk of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases later in life.

What Exactly Has Been Banned?

The order restricts the sale, advertisement and free distribution of foods categorized as High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS).

These include:

• Potato chips

• Soft drinks

• Carbonated beverages

• Sugary drinks

• Chocolates

• Candies

• Packaged junk food

• Fried snacks

• Ice creams

• Other ultra-processed foods with excessive fat, sugar or salt

The FDA clarified that the restriction applies to all products considered unhealthy under the prescribed nutritional guidelines.

Where Will the Ban Apply?

The restriction will be enforced:

• Inside school premises

• School canteens

• Food stalls inside schools

• Shops and vendors located within 50 metres of school entrances

The rule also covers any promotional activities or free distribution of junk food around educational institutions.

Which Schools Are Covered?

The directive applies to all educational institutions in Maharashtra, including:

• Pre-primary schools

• Primary schools

• Elementary schools

• Secondary schools

• Higher secondary schools

• Residential schools

• School hostels

• Government schools

• Private schools

• CBSE schools

• ICSE schools

• Maharashtra State Board schools

• Schools affiliated with any recognized education board

This makes it one of the widest school food safety directives implemented in the country.

Schools Must Follow ICMR Nutritional Guidelines

Apart from restricting junk food, schools have also been instructed to prepare and serve meals according to ICMR nutritional recommendations.

Schools are encouraged to offer healthier food options such as:

• Fresh fruits

• Seasonal vegetables

• Milk and dairy products

• Healthy sandwiches

• Sprouts

• Whole-grain snacks

• Balanced meals

• Freshly prepared nutritious food

The objective is to replace highly processed snacks with healthier alternatives.

Food Suppliers Must Follow Strict Food Safety Rules

The FDA has instructed that every food supplier associated with schools must comply with food safety regulations.

This includes:

• Valid FSSAI licence or registration

• Hygienic kitchens

• Safe food preparation practices

• Proper food storage

• Quality control measures

• Regular sanitation standards

These rules apply to:

• School canteens

• Mid-day meal kitchens

• Contract food suppliers

• Catering agencies

How Will the New Rules Be Enforced?

The Maharashtra FDA has announced regular inspections across schools.

Authorities responsible for implementation include:

• Maharashtra FDA

• School principals

• School management committees

• Local administration

• Food safety officers

Officials will conduct:

• Surprise inspections

• Food safety audits

• Vendor inspections

• Compliance checks

Schools and vendors violating the guidelines may face action under applicable food safety regulations.

Around Two Crore Students Expected to Benefit

According to government estimates, the directive is expected to benefit nearly 2 crore (20 million) students studying in schools across Maharashtra.

Public health experts believe that limiting children's easy access to unhealthy foods can significantly improve long-term dietary habits.

What Is HFSS Food?

HFSS stands for High Fat, Sugar and Salt.

These foods usually contain:

• High sugar content

• Excessive sodium

• Saturated fats

• Artificial additives

• Low nutritional value

Examples include:

Why This Decision Is Important

India has witnessed a significant rise in childhood obesity over the past decade.

Health experts attribute this to:

• Easy availability of processed foods

• High sugar intake

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Excessive screen time

• Aggressive marketing of junk food

By restricting unhealthy food near schools, Maharashtra hopes to create a healthier environment where children are encouraged to make better food choices.

Impact on the Food Industry

The new policy is likely to affect several businesses, including:

• Chips manufacturers

• Soft drink companies

• Packaged snack brands

• Local food vendors near schools

• School canteen operators

At the same time, demand may increase for healthier food categories such as:

• Fruits

• Fresh juices

• Dairy products

• Millet-based snacks

• Whole grain products

• Nutritious homemade foods

Industry experts believe companies may increasingly invest in healthier product portfolios as consumer preferences evolve.

Final Thoughts

The Maharashtra government's decision to prohibit the sale of junk food within 50 metres of schools represents a significant step toward improving children's nutrition and reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods. While the move may impact vendors and food companies operating near schools, it is expected to create a healthier environment for millions of students.

Its success will ultimately depend on consistent enforcement, cooperation from schools, food vendors, parents, and greater awareness about healthy eating habits among children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What has Maharashtra banned near schools?

The Maharashtra FDA has banned the sale, advertisement and free distribution of junk food and High Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) foods within 50 metres of all schools.

2. Which foods are banned?

The restriction covers products such as potato chips, soft drinks, sugary beverages, chocolates, candies, packaged junk food and other HFSS foods.

3. Does the ban apply only inside schools?

No. The ban applies both inside school campuses and within a radius of 50 metres around school premises.

4. Which schools are covered?

The order applies to pre-primary, primary, secondary, higher secondary, residential schools, hostels, government schools, private schools, CBSE, ICSE and State Board institutions across Maharashtra.

5. Why has Maharashtra introduced this ban?

The government aims to reduce childhood obesity, diabetes and unhealthy eating habits while encouraging nutritious food choices among students.

6. What does HFSS mean?

HFSS stands for High Fat, Sugar and Salt. These foods typically have low nutritional value and are associated with obesity and lifestyle-related diseases.

7. Are school canteens allowed to sell chips and cold drinks?

No. School canteens are expected to stop selling HFSS foods and instead offer healthier alternatives that comply with ICMR nutritional guidelines.

8. Will local vendors outside schools also be affected?

Yes. Vendors located within 50 metres of school premises cannot sell restricted junk food items covered under the order.

9. Who will enforce these guidelines?

The Maharashtra FDA, school authorities, food safety officers and local administration will conduct inspections and ensure compliance.

10. How many students will benefit from this decision?

The policy is expected to benefit approximately 2 crore students studying across Maharashtra.