Schools across Mumbai and Maharashtra will no longer be permitted to sell, distribute or promote junk food on their premises or within a 50-metre radius, following a directive issued by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The move is aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits among students, with school authorities now responsible for ensuring the rules are followed.
Vada pav, samosas and sugary drinks among restricted items
Under the new order, popular snack items such as vada pav, samosas, chocolates, ice creams, cold drinks and other foods high in fat, trans fat or sugar cannot be sold, advertised or handed out free of cost in or around schools.
FDA Commissioner said the responsibility for enforcing the ban rests with school principals and managements, who have also been asked to create awareness among parents about healthier food choices.
Schools may face action for non-compliance
FDA has warned that institutions failing to implement the directive could face action. Statewide inspections are expected to begin shortly to assess compliance. To support the rollout, the department also plans to conduct workshops at the district and taluka levels in collaboration with school authorities, helping institutions understand and implement the new regulations effectively.
FDA steps up food safety enforcement
The latest directive comes as the FDA continues to tighten food safety enforcement across Maharashtra. Earlier this month, the department suspended the licences of three food establishments in Mumbai following inspections that uncovered serious violations of hygiene and food safety standards.
The inspections, carried out in Bhendi Bazaar and Umarkhadi, revealed multiple lapses, including poor kitchen hygiene, missing records related to raw materials and drinking water quality, inadequate documentation on cooking oil, improper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, and insufficient pest control measures. One establishment was found to have failed to address 25 deficiencies flagged during an earlier inspection, leading to the suspension of its food licence.
FDA said it will continue monitoring compliance with food safety regulations while strengthening enforcement measures across the state.
