Introduction
The increased urbanization and busy lifestyles have led to greater reliance on convenient, ready-to-eat fast foods that are often unhealthy. The rising availability and aggressive marketing of fast and unprocessed foods have contributed to higher intake, replacing traditional and healthier meals.
This shift has led to poor nutrition, increased calorie intake, higher rates of childhood obesity and other health related problems.
A report by the UNICEF titled “The State of the World’s Children 2019” shows that 42% of school-going adolescents in low and middle-income countries consume carbonated sugary soft drinks at least once a day and 46% eat fast-food at least once a week. Those rates go up to 62% and 49%, respectively, for adolescents in high-income countries.
FSSAI: India’s Food Safety Guardian
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body which operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. This ministry is responsible for the implementation of the FSSAI, which was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Statutory powers of FSSAI under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006:
- Framing of regulations to lay down food safety standards
- Laying down guidelines for accreditation of laboratories for food testing
- Providing scientific advice and technical support to the Central Government
- Contributing to the development of international technical standards in food
- Collecting and collating data regarding food consumption, contamination, emerging risks, etc.
- Disseminating information and promoting awareness about food safety and nutrition in India
It plays a pivotal role in setting standards, regulating food products, and issuing FSSAI licenses to food businesses thereby ensuring compliance with safety and quality norms.
The aim of FSSAI is to:
- Lay down science-based standards for articles on food
- To regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, import, and sale of food
- To facilitate the safety of food
In order to elevate the food safety standards, the FSSAI has launched initiatives such as “Eat Right India” for promoting healthy eating habits, “Food Fortification” to combat malnutrition, “Diet4Life” which spreads awareness about metabolic disorders and many such other initiatives.
How is FSSAI Redefining School Nutrition?
The FSSAI has implemented comprehensive measures that are reshaping the school food landscape:
1. 50-Meter Rule
The FSSAI has implemented ban on the sale and advertisement of junk food high in saturated fats in school canteens and within 50 meters of school gates. This includes foods like chips, burgers, pizza, fried snacks and sugary drinks.
2. School Comprehensive Program
It mandates that schools adopt comprehensive programs that promote safe and healthy food choices for students. They have to promote the consumption of a safe and balanced diet in the school as per the guidelines issued by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN).
3. Eat-Right School initiative
Schools are encouraged to transform into “Eat Right Schools,” emphasizing safe and healthy food, local and seasonal produce, and minimizing food waste. FSSAI also suggests the use of whole grains, milk, eggs, and millets in school meals.
4. Mandatory Registration
School canteens, kitchens and food businesses involved in providing meals such as the Mid – Day meal schemes must be registered with the FSSAI and comply with the requirements of hygienic practices as specified under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
5. Advertising Restrictions
It prohibits the use of brand names, product names, and logos of junk food companies on school property, including buildings, buses, and educational materials.
6. Labelling and Transparency
Reading the label for nutritional values is not everybody’s cup of tea. FSSAI released a draft notification on June 27th 2019 seeking to place a mandate on packaged food companies to label high fat, high sugar and high salt content on the front of the package, using a traffic light signaling system.
This colour coding scheme is an easy way to identify high risk ingredients. So next time when a person picks up a tempting product off the rack in a super market the ‘red-coloured’ warning symbol will instantly help him identify the food is high in calories, saturated fats, trans fats, added sugar and salt that will help him make an informed decision.
Why did FSSAI take this action? The Health Crisis Driving this Ban
All these reforms are rooted to India’s serious health concerns. Despite being celebrated for having the world’s largest young population, this very generation is facing a rapid increase in childhood obesity, diabetes and lifestyle diseases all strongly linked to unhealthy foods rich in fat, salt and sugar combined with a sedentary lifestyle.
Case Reference: Uday Foundation For Congenital Defects and Rare Blood Groups vs Union Of India & Ors, 2015
In this case, the Uday foundation filed a PIL in the Delhi High Court seeking a ban on junk food and carbonated drinks in and around schools. The petition aimed to address the issue of junk food consumption by children and its impact on their health and development.
The Delhi High Court directed the FSSAI to formulate guidelines on implementing rules to ban junk food in and around schools and also formed an expert committee, including nutritionists, doctors and environmentalists, to examine the issue and recommend guidelines.
A 2019 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research highlights a generational health crisis. While childhood obesity continues its upward climb, today’s teenagers are developing conditions that previous generations didn’t develop until their 40s and 50s.
This rise is not only affluent to urban or affluent schools; government schools too are reporting increased junk food intake through packaged food and vendor carts nearby.
How Other Nations are Tackling School Nutrition
- United Kingdom – Mandatory nutritional standards for school meals since 2006.
- France – Complete ban on junk food advertising directed at children under the age of sixteen.
- Chile – Warning labels on the front of the package of unhealthy foods.
- Mexico – Prohibited the sale of junk food in schools nationwide.
- Many other countries too have been pushing the industry in this direction.
How are Brands Adapting to FSSAI’s Food Safety Norms?
Major food brands in categories like packaged snacks, carbonated beverages and processed foods have had to re-assess their strategies targeting the young audience and their parents.
They have lost visibility and direct access to millions of students due to restrictions in and around educational institutions.
Many companies are now investing heavily in product reformulation and healthier alternatives. They have been shifting focus from taste-first to nutrition-first messaging.
They are trying to reduce sugar, salt, and trans-fat content in their products, focusing on local sourcing and traditional recipes with modern packaging.
They are also collaborating with schools for nutrition education programs and launching healthier snack alternatives.
One such brand is Nestlé. It reformulated some of its product lines to lower salt, sugar, and fat, advertising them as “baked not fried” snacks and stimulating the consumers that they are healthier alternatives for children. Though their direct presence and promotions in schools have been curtailed, they are promoting these variants for home consumption.
Emerging Opportunities
The healthy food segment is experiencing extraordinary growth, with new players entering the market with innovative products like:
- Baked snacks instead of fried alternatives
- Natural fruit-based drinks
- Protein-rich traditional Indian snacks
- No maida and No added sugar products
- Organic and locally-sourced food options
While large food brands have the resources to adapt to these regulatory changes, many small vendors around schools face a harsher reality. They are either forced to change their business models completely or face closure, creating significant economic challenges.
Conclusion
This enforcement by FSSAI has triggered noticeable changes. All parties involved are facing hurdles: Schools must dedicate resources and monitor compliance, brands have to re-assess and strategize, while parents adjust routines and reconsider what snacks to pack for their children.
The success of this initiative ultimately depends on collaboration between regulators, schools, parents, and the food industry.
As we navigate this transition, we must ask ourselves: What kind of food culture do we want to leave for the next generation: One built on convenience and taste alone, or the one that values health, nutrition, and long-term wellbeing?
Legal Perspective
With such strict measures in place, businesses and schools must remain compliant with FSSAI rules to avoid penalties. Consulting a Food Safety Lawyer in Bangalore can help food businesses navigate licensing, labelling, and safety standards.
Additionally, schools and institutions facing compliance challenges may benefit from a Regulatory Compliance Lawyer in Jayanagar to ensure smooth adherence to FSSAI regulations.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. FSSAI regulations and compliance matters can vary across cases. For guidance on food safety laws, brand obligations, or institutional responsibilities, please consult qualified legal professionals such as Bisani Legal for expert advice.
Published by: Mr. Saket Bisani
Date: 25/08/2025
