Maharashtra bans junk food near schools.

What’s the new order?

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued directives on July 27, 2026 to ensure "safe food for every child in Maharashtra" . 

Key points:

Ban zone: Sale, advertising and promotion of food products high in fat, trans fat and sugar is prohibited within school premises and their immediate surrounding areas

FSSAI rules: FSSAI already prohibits HFSS foods within 50 metres of school gates. Maharashtra is now enforcing it strictly.

Who must comply: All school canteens, hostel kitchens, mid-day meal contractors, and Anganwadis must get an FSSAI license

Responsibility: School principals have been tasked with implementing and enforcing these norms

Scope: Covers ~2 crore students in 1.08 lakh schools - govt, aided and private, all boards 

What’s banned?

Items with excess fat, trans fats, and high sugar content

Examples from earlier GR: chips, noodles, pizza, burger, soft drinks, cakes, biscuits, pastries, toffees, chocolates . 

What’s allowed?

Healthier options like wheat roti, vegetable pulav, idli-vada, coconut water, jaljira 

Other recent bans

Energy drinks like Sting banned within 500 metres of schools

Gutkha, cigarettes and other intoxicating substances also under 500m ban 

FDA also launched complaints.mahafda.in portal where citizens can flag food adulteration 

Why now?

Goal is to build a healthy food culture and tackle childhood obesity. FSSAI + ICMR reports say enforcement of the 50m rule was weak earlier