In order to keep a tab on sale of junk food products and rising health problems among the schoolchildren, recently the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued guidelines on sale of junk food items within the radius of 50 metres of school premises. However, so far no initiative has been taken by the authorities to implement the guidelines in the State capital.
FSSAI guidelines restrict sale or availability of food which are high in fat, salt or sugar content within 50 metres of schools’ premises. This includes a wide range of food items & beverages consumed by school children including chips, noodles, pizzas, burgers, soft drinks, fries etc.
The FSSAI have issued guidelines on availability of wholesome and nutritious food in schools to control junk food consumption among children.
Unaware about the FSSAI guidelines on junk food sale, Director Health Services, Dr Praveen Chandra, said, “Presently we have not received any guideline from the FSSAI regarding the sale of junk food. Once we receive the directives from the concerned authorities, we are going to implement it. The food safety officers will be instructed to make regular inspection around the radius of 50 metres of school premises.”
“Currently we only have tobacco control guidlines. Moreover, the department also keeps advertising on issue of hazardous effects of junk food. Apart from the FSSAI guidelines it is also important for the guardians to create awareness regarding the ill-effects of junk food,” Chandra further added.
The FSSAI guideline also suggests creation of a canteen policy and school health education programmes for awareness. “I am not aware about the FSSAI guidelines but CBSE too had issued one circular few years ago. Since then our school management is following strict rules regarding this aspect. We conduct regular parents meet and have given instructions to the teachers to check student lunch boxes. Regular inspection is done upto class 8. As far as canteen is concerned we have restricted the sale of chips and cold drinks,” said Principal of Oxford Public School, AK Singh.
“I try giving only nutritious food items in lunch box but it is very common for the children to consume junk food inside school canteen. This can only be checked by school administration. The school should completely put a ban on sale of junk food items in canteen apart from putting other restrictions of junk food sale within radius of 50 meters of school,” said Mitali Dey, a concerned mother.
The FSSAI issued the guidelines after the Delhi High Court’s directive on sale of junk food products.
