Indian state food regulators ban junk food near schools and synthetic cheese

The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) of Karnataka announced a ban on the sale, distribution, advertising and promotion of high‑fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods within school campuses and a 50‑metre perimeter around them. The measure aims to curb children’s access to unhealthy foods and is intended to be supported by stricter labelling, vigilance and awareness campaigns.

In Maharashtra, the state FDA issued a gazette notification imposing a one‑year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of analogue or artificial (non‑dairy) paneer. The order, signed by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe after pressure from BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute, designates the use of synthetic paneer in restaurants, hotels and catering services as an unfair trade practice under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Violators face raids, fines, product seizure and possible legal prosecution.