FSSAI proposes stricter nutritional rules for school foods

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed new draft regulations to tighten nutritional standards for food products sold in and around school campuses. The proposal aims to classify foods as high in added fat, sugar, or sodium to curb the consumption of unhealthy processed items by children.

Aligned with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dietary Guidelines for Indians-2024, the proposed thresholds are as follows:

• Added Fat: More than 4.2g per 100g for solids and 1.5g per 100ml for liquids. • Added Sugar: More than 3g per 100g for solids and 2g per 100ml for liquids. • Sodium (Salt): More than 0.625g per 100g for solids and 0.175g per 100ml for liquids.

The draft notification, issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, has been opened for public and stakeholder consultation. Interested parties have 60 days from the date of the gazette notification to submit comments or objections.