Rajasthan High Court bans junk food near schools

The Rajasthan High Court has issued a directive banning the sale of junk food within school premises and a 50-meter radius of all schools in the state. Taking suo motu cognizance of the health and well-being of students, Justice Anup Kumar Dhand ordered a prohibition on high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods, including carbonated drinks, chips, and bakery products containing trans fats.

To ensure compliance, the court mandated that all schools form a ‘School Food Safety and Nutrition Committee’ within four weeks. Additionally, school canteens must install menu boards within eight weeks that clearly display the calories, ingredients, and nutritional information of all food items. The court emphasized that providing safe, fresh, and balanced meals is the responsibility of the government and school administrations, noting that mid-day meal programs must strictly adhere to FSSAI guidelines.

District Magistrates and Block Education Officers have been instructed to conduct monthly inspections. The court also requested the state government and FSSAI to submit a compliance report within six weeks. Beyond nutrition, the court sought status reports on infrastructure in rural and government schools, including teacher vacancies, smart classrooms, internet access, and sanitation facilities.