Karnataka bars sale of foods high in fat, sugar and salt within 50 metres of schools, colleges

To promote healthy eating habits among children, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory prohibiting the sale, free distribution, advertisement and promotion of food products high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) within school and college campuses and a 50-metre radius around them.

The advisory, issued on July 24 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020, is binding on school managements, food business operators (FBOs) and Food Safety Officers.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, Health Minister U.T. Khader said inspections had revealed that meals served in some schools relied heavily on refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta and processed snack foods, which could lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Schools had therefore been advised to provide balanced meals containing lean proteins and healthy fats to ensure sustained energy and improve students’ concentration, he said.

Sale prohibited

Under the advisory, schools and colleges have been directed to ensure that HFSS food products are not sold on their premises and to display warning signboards at prominent locations. Authorities have also been instructed to prevent the sale of such products within a 50-metre radius of educational institutions.

All food establishments located near schools, including hotels, bakeries, canteens and food stalls, have been directed to obtain the mandatory licence or registration under the Food Safety and Standards Act and comply with hygiene and food safety standards. Food Safety Officers have been asked to conduct regular inspections, and violations will attract action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Rules and Regulations, 2011, the Minister said.

Healthy eating habits

School managements have also been instructed to promote healthy eating habits, create awareness about nutritious food and organise programmes discouraging the consumption of junk food, he said.

“Schools have been advised to serve balanced meals comprising cereals, millets, pulses, milk and milk products, eggs, fruits, vegetables and freshly prepared foods made from locally available seasonal produce. The guidelines also recommend moderation in the use of cooking oil and ghee, avoidance of reheated oils and the use of fortified staples in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018,” Mr. Khader said.

Inspection drive

The advisory follows a State-wide inspection drive carried out by the department in July, during which 134 schools, colleges and food establishments in and around educational institutions were inspected.

As many as 53 food samples were collected during the inspections and sent to the State Food Laboratory in Bengaluru for analysis. The Minister said legal action would be initiated against the concerned food business operators based on the laboratory findings.

Hot water in hotels

Health Minister U.T. Khader said directions would be issued shortly, making it mandatory for all hotels, including darshinis, to provide hot drinking water during the monsoon. “The risk of viral infections increases during the rainy season, and contaminated drinking water can lead to illnesses. Therefore, all hotels, including darshinis, will be required to serve hot drinking water during the monsoon,” he said.