Maharashtra schools to junk vad pav, chips, energy drinks: The new food safety norms

Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced stringent new food safety norms targeting junk food sold in and around schools, marking a significant shift in efforts to combat rising health concerns among students. Under these guidelines, school canteens, tuck shops, mid-day meal centers, hostel kitchens, and all food suppliers must obtain registration from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Additionally, the sale, advertising, and distribution of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) foods within school premises and within a 50-meter radius of school gates are now prohibited. These measures aim to address growing health issues linked to unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles among young students. The new regulations apply to all types of schools in Maharashtra, including government-aided, private, and unaided institutions, as well as those affiliated with the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), and other educational boards. With approximately 108,000 schools and over 20 million students, the state faces a pressing challenge due to changing dietary habits influenced by aggressive marketing and social media. This has contributed to increased consumption of junk food, leading to problems such as childhood obesity, poor nutrition, metabolic disorders, anemia, and difficulty concentrating. Tukaram Mundhe, commissioner of the Maharashtra FDA, emphasized the importance of providing children with balanced diets that promote overall growth and development. He stated that the new directives would help create a healthier environment for students, ensuring their well-being and contributing positively to families and society. To enforce compliance, each school will undergo biannual inspections for food safety standards, with annual sampling of food products for analysis. The implementation of these rules falls under the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Foods and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020. It also applies to schools participating in the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana (PM-POSHAN), which provides mid-day meals to students. Schools are required to appoint teachers as health and wellness ambassadors or nodal officers to oversee adherence to the regulations. So far, the FDA has conducted 42 awareness workshops, training 4,919 teachers from 3,567 schools. In addition to focusing on school environments, the FDA has extended its scrutiny to restaurants and eateries across Mumbai. Notable establishments affected include the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Churchgate, MIG Cricket Club in Bandra, RK Juhu Gymkhana, Aparna Juhu Gymkhana, and Willingdon Sports Club in Tardeo, all of which had their food licenses suspended. Other prominent venues impacted include Parsi Dairy Farm at Marine Lines, K Rustom & Co ice cream at Churchgate, and popular restaurants like Noor Mohammadi, Shalimar, Jimmy Boy Mahim, and Poornima at Fort. During recent inspections, the FDA uncovered several violations, including cockroach infestations, spoiled vegetables, fungal growth in pickle drums, water accumulation, dirty surfaces, and mold on bananas and drumsticks. These findings underscore the need for stricter enforcement of hygiene and sanitation practices in food service establishments. As part of its ongoing campaign, the FDA continues to monitor compliance and educate stakeholders about maintaining safe food practices.