The Maharashtra government has announced a major step to improve children’s nutrition by banning the sale, advertisement and free distribution of junk food within a 50-metre radius of all schools across the state. The decision, implemented by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is intended to reduce students’ exposure to unhealthy processed foods and encourage healthier eating habits.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the new regulations will be enforced strictly and will apply to every educational institution, including government, government-aided and private schools affiliated with all recognised education boards. The move is expected to benefit nearly two crore students studying in around 1.08 lakh schools across Maharashtra.
Strict Ban on High-Fat, Sugar and Salt Foods
Under the new directive, foods and beverages classified as high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) cannot be sold, advertised or distributed free of cost inside school campuses or within 50 metres of school boundaries.
Items such as chips, chocolates, carbonated soft drinks, sugary beverages and other ultra-processed snacks commonly consumed by children fall under the prohibited category. Authorities believe limiting children’s access to such products will help reduce the growing burden of obesity and lifestyle-related illnesses among young people.
Schools Required to Follow Food Safety Norms
The order also strengthens food safety requirements for institutions serving meals to students. Every school canteen, hostel kitchen, midday meal kitchen and food supplier must possess valid registration and licences under food safety regulations.
According to the FDA, no organisation or contractor will be permitted to prepare or supply food to schools without proper authorisation. These measures are aimed at ensuring both the nutritional quality and safety of meals provided to children.
Applies Across All Educational Institutions
Officials clarified that the rules cover all educational institutions in Maharashtra without exception. The regulations extend from pre-primary schools to Class 12 institutions, including residential schools and hostels.
Students from as young as 22 months of age up to senior secondary classes will be protected under the new policy. School authorities, principals and local administrative officials have been assigned responsibility for ensuring compliance with the guidelines.
Encouraging Healthier Food Choices
Apart from restricting unhealthy foods, schools have also been encouraged to make nutritious alternatives more accessible. Authorities have advised institutions to promote fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and dairy products through school canteens and meal programmes.
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The FDA believes replacing processed snacks with healthier options can positively influence children’s long-term eating habits while improving concentration, physical growth and overall well-being.
Based on National Food Safety Regulations
The Maharashtra government’s latest order draws its authority from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) Safe Food and Balanced Diet for Children in School Regulations, 2020, which became operational in 2021.
The FDA has issued a fresh compliance order directing schools to fully implement these national nutritional standards. Officials said the latest enforcement drive is intended to ensure that earlier regulations are followed more effectively across educational institutions.
Rising Concern Over Childhood Obesity
Health experts have repeatedly warned that excessive consumption of processed foods rich in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other non-communicable diseases among children.
The Maharashtra government’s action comes amid growing national discussions on improving children’s nutrition. Recently, policy experts also recommended stronger restrictions on junk food availability around schools as part of wider efforts to reduce childhood obesity in India.
Strict Monitoring Planned
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated that enforcement agencies will closely monitor compliance with the new regulations. Schools, vendors and food suppliers found violating the rules could face action under applicable food safety laws.
Officials said cooperation between school administrations, parents, local authorities and food vendors will be essential to successfully implement the initiative.
The Maharashtra government’s latest decision represents one of the state’s most comprehensive public health measures focused on schoolchildren. By restricting the availability of unhealthy foods and promoting balanced diets, authorities hope to create a healthier educational environment while encouraging lifelong healthy eating habits among millions of students.
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