India proposes curbs on junk food sales within 50 metres of schools: What could change and why does it matter?
India is considering regulations to restrict the sale of high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar foods near schools. The Food Safety and Standards Authority aims to combat childhood obesity, following the successful Chilean model.
The Indian government is considering imposing restrictions on the sale of high-fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) food items within 50 meters of schools, in an effort to combat rising obesity rates among children and adolescents, according to Reuters. The proposed regulations, likely to affect family-run shops, restaurants and food stalls, could also impact global food and beverage companies including PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Mondelez and Nestle.
FSSAI, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, is spearheading the drive, aiming to prevent unhealthy eating habits in children and encourage manufacturers to reformulate products. However, no fixed timeline has been set for the implementation of these regulations, which were first proposed in 2020. A recent Lancet study suggests that Chile's 2016 regulations resulting in warning labels and a ban on junk food sales and promotion in schools has led to a 2.85% lower probability of excess weight among girls and a 2.4% lower probability among boys.
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