Students in Maharashtra may soon find fewer junk food options around their schools.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a statewide ban on the sale, distribution, and advertisement of junk food inside school campuses and within a 50-metre radius of schools.
The decision is aimed at promoting healthier eating habits and tackling the growing problem of childhood obesity.
Which Foods Have Been Banned?
Under the new order, food vendors cannot sell or advertise junk food inside schools or within 50 metres of school premises.
The ban includes popular items such as:
Vada pav
Samosas
Chocolates
Cold drinks
Ice creams
Other fried, packaged, high-fat, and high-sugar food items
The restriction will apply across Maharashtra and is intended to reduce students’ easy access to unhealthy snacks during school hours.
Schools Will Also Be Held Responsible
The new rules do not apply only to food vendors.
The FDA has said that school principals and managements will also be responsible for ensuring that junk food is not sold within the restricted area.
If schools fail to enforce the rules, authorities can take action against the school administration as well.
Why Has Maharashtra Taken This Step?
The government says the decision has been taken to address increasing cases of childhood obesity, poor nutrition, and other lifestyle-related health problems among students.
Health experts believe that reducing the availability of sugary, processed, and deep-fried foods near schools will encourage children to make healthier food choices.
The move is part of the state’s broader effort to improve food safety and promote better nutrition among schoolchildren.
Healthier Food Options Encouraged
While unhealthy food has been restricted, the government is encouraging vendors to offer more nutritious alternatives.
Some of the recommended options include:
Fresh fruits
Milk
Buttermilk
Sprouts
Salads
Nuts
Other healthy snacks
Officials hope these healthier choices will gradually improve students’ eating habits without affecting access to safe and hygienic food.
Strict Monitoring Across the State
Food Safety Officers and local authorities will monitor the implementation of the new rules across Maharashtra.
Regular inspections will be carried out around schools, and action may be taken against vendors or institutions that violate the ban.
The government believes this initiative will help create a healthier school environment and encourage children to develop better eating habits from an early age.
