BENGALURU: The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) will begin enforcing a ban on the sale, free distribution, advertisement and promotion of High Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) food products in schools, colleges and within a 50-metre radius of educational institutions from Saturday, health minister UT Khader announced on Friday.
The move aims to promote healthy eating habits among children and adolescents and curb the growing consumption of junk food.
At a press conference on Friday, the minister said school and college managements have been directed to ensure that only safe, balanced and nutritious food is made available on campuses in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020.
Institutions have also been instructed to establish fixed meal timings, provide free access to safe drinking water and conduct regular awareness programmes to educate students on healthy food choices and the harmful effects of excessive consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and salt.
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The advisory follows inspections conducted by the department, which found that meals served in several educational institutions contained high levels of refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta and processed snack foods. It noted that such foods rapidly increase blood sugar levels and should instead be balanced with lean proteins, healthy fats and fibre to provide sustained energy, improve concentration and support healthy growth.
The advisory recommends that meals served in schools should include a balanced cereal-protein combination, whole grains, pulses, millets, fresh seasonal fruits, green leafy vegetables, milk and eggs. It also encourages the use of fortified wheat flour, rice, milk, edible oil and double-fortified salt wherever applicable.
Traditional nutritious foods such as idli, upma, poha, dhokla, cheela and porridge have been recommended, while cooking oil and ghee should be used in moderation.
Food Business Operators, including canteens, bakeries, restaurants and food stalls functioning within educational institutions or within a 50-metre radius, have been instructed to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and obtain the necessary licences.
Food safety officers will conduct regular inspections to monitor compliance. Institutions have also been asked to display signboards at prominent locations prohibiting the sale of HFSS foods. Violations will invite action under the Food Safety and Standards Act and Rules.
