Karnataka Bans Sale of Junk Food Within 50 Metres of Schools, Issues FSDA Advisory

The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has issued an advisory discouraging the sale of food products high in fat, sugar and salt within a 50-metre radius of schools and colleges across the state. The move follows inspections conducted around 134 educational institutions in July, during which officials found several food businesses selling unhealthy food products near campuses.

According to the FSDA, the advisory, issued on July 24, aims to promote healthier eating habits among students while strengthening compliance with food safety regulations. The department has also directed food safety officers to increase inspections and create awareness among schools, food business operators and the public. Vada Pav, Samosa, Cold Drinks and Chocolates Banned in and Around Maharashtra Schools.

Inspections Prompt Fresh Advisory

The advisory follows inspections carried out at food establishments located around schools and colleges. “During the inspections, the quality of food products, hygiene and sanitation, compliance with food safety standards, labelling requirements, sale of expired food products and validity of licences/registrations of Food Business Operators were verified…it was observed that certain food business establishments located within and around school and college premises were selling high fat, sugar and salt food products,” the FSDA said in a statement on Friday.

Based on these findings, the department advised that the sale of high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods within 50 metres of schools and colleges should be discouraged while healthier food choices are promoted. Bombay High Court Restores Park Inn by Radisson’s Food Licence, Says 2 Insects Don’t Justify Suspension.

Regular Inspections and Compliance Measures

The FSDA said district designated officers and food safety officers have been instructed to ensure effective implementation of the advisory across Karnataka. “District designated officers and food safety officers have been instructed to effectively implement the advisory across the state and to create awareness among school and college managements, food business operators and the general public,” the FSDA said.

The department also directed that all food establishments operating near educational institutions must be licensed and registered under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Officials said food safety officers will conduct regular inspections around schools and colleges to monitor compliance.

Violations May Invite Legal Action

The department warned that businesses violating provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards Rules/Regulations, 2011 could face enforcement action.

According to the advisory, violations may result in improvement notices, suspension or cancellation of licences, seizure of food products and judicial proceedings, wherever necessary.

School Menus Also Under Review

Apart from food sold outside schools, the FSDA also examined meals served within educational institutions.

The department said inspections found that food provided to children in some schools contained high levels of refined carbohydrates, including white bread, pasta and processed snack foods. “Such foods can cause rapid increases in blood sugar levels. It is essential to balance these meals with lean proteins and healthy fats to provide sustained energy and improve concentration throughout the day,” the FSDA stated in its July 24 advisory.

The department advised school managements to ensure such products are not sold on campus and to prominently display warning signboards at key locations.

Healthier Meal Recommendations

The advisory recommends that school meals include balanced cereal-protein combinations rich in micronutrients.

It suggests incorporating whole grains, pulses, millets, milk, eggs and fresh seasonal produce into menus. The department also recommended using fortified wheat flour, rice, milk, edible oil and double fortified salt, in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018, to improve nutritional value.

The FSDA said these measures are intended to encourage healthier dietary habits among students while ensuring safer food environments in and around educational institutions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 02, 2026 02:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).