Mumbai, 30 July

(HS): The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued orders to ban sale of

junk food within 50 meters of schools in Maharashtra. The orders have been

issued to ensure nutritious and balanced diet and health of the students. The banned

food items includes those containing additional salt, added sugar, fats. Potato

chips, cold drinks, and fried snacks have also been banned.

These foods will

not be served in the school canteens, or under mid-day meal, hostels etc. The

suppliers to canteens and hostel mess must possess FSSAI (Food Safety and

Standards Authority of India) licence or should be a registered supplier.

The schools must

have display a board related to food safety and have a person as an inspector to

ensure food safety. The canteens should have fresh milk, fruits, Vegetables and

other nutritional food as provided under the Nutrition Guide Rule provided

under the National Nutrition Authority.

The FDA has

warned of stern action against those violating the order. The Education

Department, Local Self Government Institutions, School Managements, Parents and

Students should cooperate in implementation of the rules.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar