The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in its press release dated 8th September 2020 finalized an important regulation on Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and balanced diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020 to ensure safe and wholesome food for school children.
Key highlights from the charter:
- FBOs contracted by the School Authority that are selling or catering school meals and FBOs contracted by the Department of School Education for the operation of the Mid-Day Meal scheme must obtain a registration or license as applicable and comply with the requirements of sanitary and hygienic practices to the food service establishments.
- Foods that are referred to as food products high in saturated fat or trans-fat or added sugar or sodium (HFSS) cannot be sold to school children in school canteens/ mess premises/ hostel kitchens or in an area within fifty meters from the school gate in any direction.
- School Authority shall ensure that a board containing warning “Do not sell (including free sale or market or advertise) the food products high in saturated fat or trans-fat or added sugar or sodium within school premises or campus” in English or one Indian language as applicable, is displayed prominently at the entrance gate or gates of the school
- FBOs manufacturing HFSS food products barred from advertising and marketing of such foods to children in school premises including through logos, brand names, posters, textbook covers etc. or in an area within fifty meters from the school gate in any direction
- Regular inspection of premises to ensure that safe, balanced and hygienic food is served to students and a Health and Wellness Ambassador Health and Wellness team, may be appointed as the nodal persons to monitor availability of safe, balanced and hygienic food
