The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a statewide ban on the sale, distribution and advertisement of high-fat, high-sugar and deep-fried food items inside school premises and within a 50-metre radius of schools.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Munde said the move aims to promote healthier eating habits among children and made it clear that school authorities will be held accountable for enforcing the directive.
He said products containing excess fat, trans fat and sugar, including vada pav, samosas, cold drinks, chocolates, ice cream and other junk food, will not be allowed to be sold, distributed or advertised in and around schools.
Munde said principals and school management committees must ensure strict implementation of the ban while also creating awareness among parents about healthy food choices.
He warned that action would be taken against principals and school managements that fail to comply with the directive.
The FDA Commissioner said the department would soon begin inspections across the state to monitor compliance. He added that the FDA, in coordination with school managements, would organise workshops at the district and taluka levels to facilitate effective implementation of the new rules.
Responding to questions on the alleged Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) paper leak, Munde said the FDA had received an email complaint on July 21 and recorded the complainant’s statement on July 24. He said the statement and all related documents had been forwarded to the MPSC, which independently conducts the Food and Drug Inspector examination.
Separately, the Maharashtra FDA recently suspended the food licences of three eateries in Mumbai after inspections found serious violations of hygiene and food safety norms. According to the department, six inspections were carried out in Bhendi Bazaar and Umarkhadi, leading to action against establishments that failed to comply with food safety regulations.
-ANI
