Junk food ban, FSSAI licence must: A ‘to-do’ list for schools amid food safety crackdown

Following the Maharashtra food safety body's directive for schools to ban unhealthy foods on campuses, the Maharashtra School Education Department recently provided an exhaustive checklist to all educational institutions. The department has underscored the importance of adhering to the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diet for School Children) Regulations 2020, which now encompasses all schools in the state, including pre-primary, primary, secondary and residential institutions, under the food safety enforcement framework due to the FDA's ongoing crackdown on violations.

In compliance with the latest directives, schools must ensure that all food prepared or served within their premises meets safety standards, and any food businesses operating on campus must possess valid FSSAI licenses. Facilities preparing food onsite are also mandated to secure FSSAI registration. School administrations bear the responsibility of validating the licenses held by food vendors operating within the premises.

The regulations also reiterate the prohibition on the sale, distribution, and promotion of high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods on campuses or within a 50-meter radius of school entrances. Additionally, schools are required to prohibit HFSS food advertisements on their computers or other digital platforms.

The directives emphasize that school management and heads must verify that food vendors hold valid licenses, adhere to hygiene standards, and follow proper food storage, temperature control, pest control, and waste management practices. Schools have been instructed to revamp their menus to incorporate a variety of nutritious options such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, dairy products, and other locally sourced foods.

Furthermore, the drinking water supplied to students must be safe and regularly tested to meet prescribed quality standards.

These directives come amid the Food and Drug Safety Administration (FDA), led by Tukaram Mundhe, intensifying its efforts to enforce stringent food safety measures across the state of Maharashtra.