In a bid to promote healthy eating habits among students, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has prohibited the sale of HFSS
food products on school and college campuses and within a 50-metre radius of educational institutions, as reported by PTI. According to the department, the latest move is in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure that students have access to safe, nutritious, and quality food. The department’s statement said that under the statewide enforcement drive in July 2026, food officials inspected 134 schools, colleges, and food establishments operating within and around their premises. A detailed inspection revealed that the food being served to students in some schools contained excessive amounts of carbohydrates. These included white bread, pasta, and processed snack foods. According to officials, these items can lead to a sudden increase in blood sugar levels, adding that balancing these meals with lean proteins and healthy fats can provide sustained energy and enhance concentration throughout the day.
Food Quality and Hygiene Assessed During Inspection
According to the news agency, during the inspection, officials assessed food quality, hygiene and sanitation standards, labelling, the sale of expired food products, and compliance with licensing and registration requirements under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
"It was observed that certain food business establishments located within and around school and college premises were selling High Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) food products," it said.
As many as 53 food samples collected during the drive were found to be suspicious and have been sent for laboratory analysis. They have now been handed over to the Food Laboratory in Bengaluru. If violations are found, legal action will be taken against the concerned food business operators in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Rules, 2011.
According to the department, a directive issued with effect from July 24 instructs educational institutions and food vendors to discourage the sale of unhealthy food items within campuses and up to 50 metres from their boundaries. They have also been advised to promote healthier food choices among students.
In addition, food safety officers have been asked to raise awareness among school and college managements, food business operators, and the public to ensure the effective implementation of the directive, the release added.
A few days ago, Maharashtra's FDA announced a similar move, restricting the sale of processed and packaged foods and drinks high in fat, sugar, and salt within 50 metres of school compounds.
