FSSAI released draft regulations of Safe Food and Healthy Diet for school children

The food regulator, FSSAI-Food Safety and Standards Authority of India released draft regulations for school children. The draft was titled “food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Healthy Diets for School Children) Regulations, 2019. The regulator has sought comments from stake holders within 30 days.

Highlights of the regulations

• A complete ban was imposed on the sale of soft drinks, potato wafers and other junk foods within 50 meters of school campus. Also the advertisements of these junk foods were banned.
• The foods that are referred to HFSS (High in Fat, Salt and Sugar) cannot be sold in school canteens, mess premises or hostel kitchens. They should also be not sold to school children. These foods are also banned by the regulator within 50 meters of school campus.
• The school campus should be converted to “” Eat Right School” ensuring safe and healthy food. They should adopt comprehensive programmes to promote healthy diets and safe foods.
• A license or registration should be obtained by the School Authority or Food Business Operators (FBO) contracted by the School Authority selling school meals. The FBOs contracted for operation of Mid-say meal scheme should also obtain a registration license complying with requirements of hygienic and sanitary practices
• The schools should take help of nutritionists and dietitians in preparing menu for children periodically.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2019