BENGALURU: State govt has banned the sale, free distribution, advertising and promotion of food products high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) on school and college campuses (up to II PUC) and within a 50-metre radius of these institutions, health minister U T Khader announced Friday.The move follows a similar decision by Maharashtra govt recently.Food safety and drug administration has directed educational institutions in Karnataka to strictly enforce the advisory and warned that violators will face action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.The move follows a Karnataka-wide inspection campaign last month that covered 134 schools, colleges and food business establishments, during which officials found several vendors selling HFSS food items near educational institutions and also in their canteens.The advisory notes that such food items can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.Officials collected 53 food samples for laboratory analysis. Legal action will be initiated against offenders based on the findings.
Schools yet to digest what’s junk food, seek govt clarity
In a bid to promote healthier eating habits among children, Karnataka govt Friday announced a ban on sale, free distribution, advertisement and promotion of high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) food products within school and pre-university college campuses, canteens and a 50-metre radius around them.The move comes just after Maharashtra issued a similar order.
What institutions should be serving kids (AI-generated image)
While the intent behind the order has been welcomed, it has also raised a key question among school managements: What exactly qualifies as junk food?“This is a welcome move. However, the big question is whether govt has released a list of junk foods. What are the criteria? Is a vegetable or chicken sandwich considered junk food?” asked D Shashi Kumar, secretary, Association of Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools of Karnataka (KAMS).He also questioned how the ban would be enforced outside school premises.“Schools with food stalls on their campuses can regulate what is sold. But how will authorities control food sold outside schools, especially in Bengaluru, where malls, restaurants and other eateries are located close to educational institutions?” he asked, adding that implementation should focus on improving children’s health rather than becoming merely an enforcement exercise.Health minister UT Khader said a more detailed list of prohibited food items will be issued.“We know that foods like popcorn and chikki are healthy options for children. Likewise, we know that foods high in sugar, salt and trans fats are harmful. This is only the first phase of implementation aimed at preventing lifestyle diseases. We will issue further guidelines as and when required,” he said.Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Khader said children are more likely to choose food based on taste rather than nutritional value.“When adults buy food items, they know what is safe and understand its impact on health. But for children, it is more about taste, and they do not check other parameters,” he said, adding that educational institutions and relevant trade bodies will be served notices and directed to implement the new norms immediately.
Onus on managements
The advisory places the responsibility on school managements to ensure HFSS food products are not sold on their premises and mandates installation of prominent warning signboards discouraging their sale.It also requires food vendors, bakeries, hotels, canteens and other establishments operating near schools to have valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences and comply with prescribed food safety and hygiene standards.Food safety officers have been directed to conduct regular inspections and initiate legal action against establishments found violating rules.“Our officers will carry out random inspections of school canteens and establishments around schools. Violators can be fined up to Rs 3 lakh under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. We urge parents to alert us if they find junk food being sold in or around schools. We are confident that all stakeholders, including school managements, will cooperate in the interest of children’s health,” Khader said.He said the state govt is in discussions with education department on the possibility of not renewing recognition or licences of schools found selling junk food from the next academic year.
