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Ban on Junk Food In School
Why is it in the news?
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued draft regulations proposing a ban on sale of junk foods in school canteens.
- Along with the ban on sale, the advertisement within 50 metres of school campuses would also be banned.
- The objective is to ensure safe and wholesome food for children.
- According to studies, about 8% of schoolchildren are obese.
More in the news
- Key regulations of Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Healthy Diets for School Children) Regulations, 2019:
(1) Content: The foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) cannot be sold to children in schools or within 50 m of the school campus.
(2) Diet: Schools should adopt a comprehensive programme for promoting healthy diets among children.
(3) Eat Right: The school campus should be converted into ‘Eat Right School’ focussing on local and seasonal food.
(4) There would be no food waste as per the specified benchmarks.
(5) Balanced Diet: Children have to be encouraged to consume balanced diet in the school as per the guidelines issued by the National Institute of Nutrition.
(6) Nutritionists, dieticians may be engaged by the school to assist in the preparation of menu periodically.
(7) Inspection: There should be regular inspection of school premises where safe, healthy and hygienic food should be served to students.
- About FSSAI:
(1) It is a statutory bodyestablished under Food Safety and Standards , 2006.
(2) FSSAI has been created for laying down science based standards and guidelines for articles of food.
(3) It regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food articles to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
(4) It provide scientific advice and technical support to Central Government and State Governments in the matters of food safety and nutrition.
Source
The Hindu.