Jammu and Kashmir FDA enforces strict food safety rules in schools

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of Jammu and Kashmir has directed the School Education Department to strictly enforce food safety regulations in all government and private schools across the Union Territory. These measures are based on the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020.

Under the mandate, schools are prohibited from selling or distributing food products high in saturated fat, trans-fat, added sugar, or sodium within school premises. Furthermore, the sale, marketing, or advertising of such junk food is banned within a 50-metre radius of school gates.

To ensure compliance, school authorities must ensure that food business operators are licensed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and adhere to sanitary requirements. Schools are also required to provide free safe drinking water, designate specific meal times to promote healthy habits, and may appoint Health and Wellness Ambassadors or teams to monitor food quality and nutrition.