Maharashtra FDA Bans Junk Food Within 50 Metres of Schools: Full List, Rules, Penalties & Impact on 2 Crore Students

In a landmark decision aimed at safeguarding children's health, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a statewide order banning the sale, advertisement, and free distribution of junk food within a 50-metre radius of all school premises. The move is part of the state's ambitious "Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra" campaign and is expected to impact nearly 1.08 lakh schools and approximately 2 crore students across the state.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, who took charge in May 2026, announced the strict enforcement of the order on Wednesday, stating that the regulations would be implemented without exception across all government, aided, and private institutions.

What is Banned? The Complete List of Prohibited Items

The ban targets HFSS (High in Fat, Salt, and Sugar) food items. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has made it clear that products with excess fat, trans fat, and high sugar content are strictly prohibited.

Banned Food Categories Include:

"Cold drinks, chocolate, caffeinated drinks shouldn't be available in the school and within 50 meters of the school premise," Mundhe told reporters. When asked about Chinese food containing ajinomoto, he responded with a firm "no."

Where Does the Ban Apply?

The prohibition extends to:

• Inside school premises (including canteens, tuck shops, and classrooms)
• Within a 50-metre radius of school compounds and gates
• School hostels, Anganwadis, and midday meal kitchens

The order explicitly bans not just the sale but also the advertisement and free distribution of junk food within this zone.

Which Schools Are Covered?

The regulations apply uniformly to all educational institutions in Maharashtra, regardless of their affiliation or management type:

• Government schools
• Government-aided schools
• Private schools
• Residential schools
• Schools affiliated with SSC, HSC, CBSE, ICSE, IB, or any other education board

The order covers children from 22 months of age up to Class 12 students

Mandatory FSSAI Licences for All Food Operators

A significant component of the FDA's directive is the mandatory licensing requirement. All food operators serving schools must now obtain valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences and registrations.

This includes:

• School canteens and tuck shops
• Hostel kitchens
• Midday meal (PM-POSHAN) kitchens
• Food suppliers and contractors
• Anganwadi centres

Unlicensed operators will not be permitted to supply food to any educational institution.

Healthier Alternatives: What Schools Must Now Serve

The FDA order doesn't just ban unhealthy food—it actively mandates the promotion of nutritious alternatives. Schools have been directed to ensure that canteen menus proactively feature:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Pulses
• Milk and dairy products
• Locally available healthy food options
  
  

Additionally, schools must ensure:

• Availability of safe drinking water
• Hygienic food preparation and storage practices
• Proper pest control measures
• Effective waste management systems

Celebrations, Birthdays, and Festivals Under Scanner

In a notable extension of the ban, the FDA has clarified that enforcement goes beyond regular canteen operations. Schools have been advised against distributing or serving unhealthy food items during:

• Birthday celebrations
• Independence Day
• Diwali and other festivals
• Any school events or functions

Mundhe specifically warned schools against distributing chocolates, samosas, vada pav, and laddoos during such events, urging them to promote healthier alternatives instead.

Enforcement: Inspections, Audits, and Penalties

The FDA has outlined a comprehensive enforcement framework to ensure compliance:

Regular Inspections

• The FDA will conduct surprise food safety audits at every school twice a year
• At least one food sample will be collected from each school annually for testing
• Restaurants, sweet shops, and food outlets within the 50-metre zone will also be inspected

Accountability

School managements, principals, and teachers bear primary responsibility for compliance. Local authorities have also been directed to ensure adherence to the new norms.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Schools failing to comply with food safety regulations while serving meals directly to students could lose their affiliation
• The FDA has warned of strict action against violators
• Repeated violations may result in de-affiliation of the institution

"This order will impact every family with school-going children in the state. Every student must receive safe, wholesome and nutritious food," Mundhe emphasised.

Why This Ban? The Health Crisis Behind the Decision

The FDA's crackdown comes in response to growing concerns about childhood obesity, dental problems, and lifestyle diseases among schoolchildren.

While the central government's Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020 came into force in 2021, Mundhe noted that many schools and stakeholders remain unaware of their responsibilities. The new order invokes Section 30(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to enforce compliance.

The Global Parents Teachers Association (GPTA) had previously warned that easy access to junk food is contributing to rising health problems among students, noting that "for the last 10 years, Maharashtra's ban on junk food in school canteens has remained largely on paper."

Tukaram Mundhe's Broader Food Safety Drive

The school junk food ban is part of a larger, aggressive food safety campaign launched by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe since taking office in May 2026.

Key Initiatives Under "Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra":

1. Statewide Raids: Over 1,100 raids have been conducted, resulting in the suspension of licences of multiple prominent eateries, bakeries, and sports clubs across Mumbai due to unhygienic conditions
2. 8-Point "Farm-to-Plate" Guidelines: Issued to curb milk and paneer adulteration, targeting local chillers, transit networks, and sweet vendors
3. AI-Driven Grievance Portal: A web portal for citizens to report mislabeled or adulterated food directly to authorities
4. Consumer Protection: All restaurants must now provide free, safe drinking water, prohibiting them from forcing customers to buy bottled water
5. School Food Safety Boards: Schools must establish a Food Safety Board and appoint a dedicated supervisor to inspect food items

What This Means for Students, Parents, and Vendors

For Students

The ban ensures that children will no longer have easy access to unhealthy snacks and beverages during school hours, promoting better eating habits from a young age.

For Parents

Parents can be assured that their children are receiving safe, nutritious food in school environments. The FDA has made it clear that parents, teachers, and principals can be held accountable for violations.

For Vendors and Shopkeepers

Local shop owners and street vendors operating within 50 metres of school boundaries must strictly follow these restrictions. Food business operators must obtain FSSAI licences immediately to continue supplying to schools.

How to Report Violations

Citizens can report food safety violations through:

• FSSAI helpline: 1800-114-000
• FDA Maharashtra toll-free helpline: 1800-222-365
• The FDA's AI-driven grievance web portal

Conclusion

The Maharashtra FDA's junk food ban marks a significant shift in the state's approach to children's health and nutrition. By creating a junk-food-free zone around schools and mandating FSSAI compliance for all food operators, the FDA is taking concrete steps to address the growing epidemic of lifestyle diseases among young Indians.

While the ban may face implementation challenges—particularly with street vendors and small shopkeepers in the 50-metre zone—the FDA's commitment to strict enforcement, regular inspections, and the threat of de-affiliation signals that this time, the rules are meant to be followed.

For the 2 crore students in Maharashtra's 1.08 lakh schools, this could mean the beginning of a healthier, more nutritious future.

Stay Updated: Follow the Maharashtra FDA's official website and social media channels for the complete list of banned items and regular updates on enforcement drives.