Karnataka bars sale of foods high in fat, sugar and salt within 50 metres of schools, colleges
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration has prohibited the sale and promotion of high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods within a 50-metre radius of schools and colleges. The initiative aims to combat unhealthy eating habits among students by mandating balanced meal options and stricter hygiene standards for nearby food vendors.
Why it matters
This policy represents a significant regulatory intervention in public health, aiming to reduce childhood obesity and metabolic health risks by controlling the food environment surrounding educational institutions.
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.
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