Karnataka’s advisory banning junk food near schools: What it means and why it matters | Explained

The Karnataka government’s advisory prohibiting the sale, distribution, advertisement and promotion of foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS), commonly referred to as junk food, in schools and colleges and within a 50-metre radius of educational institutions has brought children’s nutrition and preventive healthcare into sharp focus. The advisory, issued by the State’s Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA), seeks to create healthier food environments for students at a time when childhood obesity and lifestyle-related illnesses are on the rise.

The measure goes beyond regulating school canteens. By extending restrictions to vendors operating immediately outside school gates, the government hopes to reduce children’s easy access to unhealthy foods during school hours. While similar provisions already exist under the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020, the advisory places renewed emphasis on implementation and enforcement.