In 2015, the High court of Delhi ordered FSSAI to regulate the selling of junk food at the school canteen. An expert committee at the top food regulating agency looked into the matter and framed newer guidelines so that children in school get healthy and nutritious food. Now the CEO of FSSAI has restricted the sale of junk and unhealthy food in canteens of school and other educational institutions. Also, it has restricted the sale and advertisement of junk food within 50 meters of the school premises.
A senior FSSAI official said that "The idea is to provide safe food & a balanced diet for children in schools. Foods which are referred to as foods high in fat, salt & sugar (HFSS) cannot be sold to schoolchildren in school canteens or mess premises or hostel kitchens or within 50 meters of the school campus".
The guidelines provided by FSSAI includes-
- Food business operators contracted by the department of education to function mid-day meal school should get a license from FSSAJ and should follow the guidelines about hygiene provided under section 4 of Food Safety and Standard act. Also, food, canteens, or mess shall obtain a license from FSSAI.
- Regular inspection by municipal authorities and state administration should be done at school premises to ensure food safety, healthy food, and hygiene is maintained.
- The official said Schools administrations have to adopt a comprehensive program for promoting safe food & healthy diets among schoolchildren & to convert school campuses into Eat Right School focusing on safe & healthy food, local & seasonal food & no food waste as per the specified guidelines.
Additionally, school authorities are now required to promote the consumption of a safe & balanced diet in the school as per the guidelines issued by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN).
