The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stepped up its fight against unhealthy foods by issuing draft regulations that are intended to “make it clear what is healthy for children and what is not”.
It is the latest move by the FSSAI, which is concerned about the growth of obesity and diseases linked to high levels of salt, sugar and fat in food.
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In September, it issued draft regulations proposing colour code warning labels on the front of food packaging to indicate high levels of unhealthy ingredients.
Now its new ten-point charter proposes a ban on the sale and advertising of unhealthy foods within school premises and within 50 metres of school buildings.
“Healthy food makes our kids feel better, grow better and learn better and the right eating habits can be ingrained in the children from a young age,” it said.
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Its draft proposals – Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Healthy Diets for School Children) Regulations 2019, include only licensing caterers of school meals that comply with its regulations and encouraging schools to adopt a comprehensive programme for promoting “safe” food and healthy diets amongst school children.
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By GlobalDataIts charter directs food operators to “develop new products that help children eat healthy, especially with regard to nutrient density, energy density, and portion size”, while school authorities would be encouraged to engage nutritionists and dieticians to assist in the preparation of menus.
It also proposes regular inspections of school premises to ensure that healthy food is served to pupils.
The draft regulations also make it harder for food operators to market and distribute samples of unhealthy foods through logos, brand names, characters, product names, or other product marketing on vending machines, books, curricula and other educational materials such as school supplies and posters.
The FSSAI has invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders.
“These regulations, after consideration of stakeholder comments and finalisation, would be finalised for implementation,” it said.
