The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a decisive step to promote healthier eating habits among students by banning sale and promotion of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) within a 50-metre radius of schools and colleges. This advisory, issued on July 24,is part of the enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations,2020.
Health Minister U.T. Khader announced the new regulations during a press briefing,emphasizing the need for schools to provide balanced meals. Inspections revealed that many educational institutions were serving meals rich in refined carbohydrates,such as white bread and processed snacks,which can lead to unhealthy spikes in blood sugar levels. minister urged schools to offer meals that include lean proteins and healthy fats to enhance students' concentration and overall well-being.
Under the new guidelines,educational institutions are required to ensure that HFSS food products are not available on their premises. They must also display warning signs to inform students and parents about the health risks associated with such foods. Furthermore,all food establishments within the designated radius, including hotels,canteens,and bakeries,must comply with hygiene and safety standards and obtain the necessary licenses under Food Safety and Standards Act.
Food Safety Officers have been tasked with conducting regular inspections to enforce compliance. Any violations discovered during these inspections will lead to legal action under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006,and the associated regulations. Khader noted that initiative is part of a broader effort to foster healthy eating habits among children,which includes creating awareness about nutritious food options and organizing programs to discourage junk food consumption .
Schools are encouraged to serve meals that consist of cereals, millets,pulses, milk, eggs, fruits,and vegetables, as well as freshly prepared dishes made from locally sourced seasonal produce. The guidelines also recommend limiting the use of cooking oils and ghee,avoiding reheated oils, and incorporating fortified staples in line with the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018.
This advisory follows a state-wide inspection conducted in July,during which officials examined 134 schools, colleges,and food establishments near educational institutions. The inspections resulted in the collection of 53 food samples,which have been sent to the State Food Laboratory in Bengaluru for analysis. Based on the laboratory findings, legal action will be initiated against any food business operators found in violation of the regulations.
In a related health initiative,Minister Khader announced that all hotels, including darshinis,will soon be required to provide hot drinking water during the monsoon season. This measure aims to mitigate the risk of viral infections, which tend to rise during the rainy season due to contaminated drinking water. Ensuring access to hot drinking water is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding public health during this vulnerable period.
