Strictness on junk food around schools in Maharashtra, ban on sale and promotion of products containing high fat, trans fat and sugar

To improve the health and nutrition of children in Maharashtra, strict steps have been taken regarding the sale of food items near schools. The state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed schools to take necessary action to stop the sale, advertising and promotion of food products high in fat, trans fat and sugar in and around the campus.

This decision has been taken with the aim of promoting healthy eating habits among children and developing awareness about nutrition from an early age. Under the new instructions, it has also been said that there will be a ban on promotion and free distribution of such products around schools.

Emphasis on developing healthy eating habits in children

According to Maharashtra FDA, the main objective of this initiative is to strengthen the culture of healthy eating among students. The role of educational institutions has been considered important to ensure that children have access to nutritious and safe food options in and around school.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said that the main goal of this initiative is to provide safe and healthy food to every child of the state. He believes that developing right eating habits at the school level can have a positive impact on the health of children in the future.

Regular or excessive consumption of foods high in fat, trans fat and sugar can adversely affect the health of children. In such a situation, this step is being considered important towards limiting the availability and promotion of these products around schools.

There will be monitoring of sales in and around the school premises

As per the instructions, products containing high fat, trans fat and sugar will not be allowed to be sold within the prescribed limits in or around the school premises. Schools will also have to take necessary steps to ban the advertising and promotion of these food items.

Under this system, not only sales in shops or canteens, but also activities like promotion of such products and distribution of such products to children for free will be monitored. Its aim is to ensure that students are not exposed to attractive promotions of unhealthy food products in the school environment.

Important responsibility given to principals

The responsibility of implementing the new instructions effectively has been entrusted to the school principals. School heads have to ensure that standards related to food safety and nutrition are followed within the premises.

The school administration will also have to keep an eye on the activities related to the canteen, food vendors and sale of food items around the campus. Also, emphasis can be laid on making children and parents aware about the importance of a balanced diet and healthy food.

Rules will be applicable from small children till class 12

According to the FDA, the new rules will be implemented for children from the age of approximately 22 months to those studying in class 12. Its scope will cover students from pre-school and elementary education to secondary and higher secondary levels.

On July 27, the state government had issued an order to implement standards related to food safety and nutrition in all educational institutions. After this, the FDA instructed schools to control the sale and promotion of products containing high fat, trans fat and sugar.

Why is this step important for children’s health?

Schools play an important role in the physical and mental development of children. In such a situation, the school environment also affects the eating habits of children. If schools prioritize nutritious food and limit access to unhealthy products, children may be encouraged to make better food choices.

Through this initiative, efforts are being made to promote safe food, nutrition awareness and healthy lifestyle in the state. In the coming times, it will be important to see how the school administration implements these instructions and what impact it has on the eating habits of children.

Also read – Sawan 2026: Keep these things in mind in the month of Sawan, know what to do and what not to do in this holy month?