Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Pune Schools Face Tighter Food Safety Rules, HFSS Ban
Schools in Pune and nearby areas are being told to make food safer and healthier for children.
More than 1,800 principals learned about the new rules.
Food sellers working in or supplying schools must have the correct licence or registration.
Foods with too much fat, sugar or salt cannot be sold or promoted at schools.
These foods are also banned within 50 metres of every school gate.
Schools must offer foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and dairy products.
They must provide safe drinking water and choose a person to lead health and nutrition activities.
Officials will inspect schools and can punish those that break the rules.
More than 1,800 principals from Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Sangli received food safety guidance.
School food providers must hold a valid FSSAI licence or registration and meet hygiene standards.
The sale, promotion and distribution of HFSS foods are prohibited on school premises and within 50 metres of school gates.
Schools must provide nutritious menus, safe drinking water and appoint a Health and Wellness Ambassador or Nodal Officer.
The FDA will inspect every school twice yearly and may take enforcement action against violators.
- Who
- Municipal education departments, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), school principals and school food providers are involved.
- What
- Schools are being directed to strengthen food safety and nutrition practices, including a ban on HFSS food sales and promotion within school premises and 50 metres of school gates.
- When
- The awareness programme in Pune was held on August 18; the School Food Safety Compliance Order was issued on July 28.
- Where
- The initiative covers schools in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Sangli, Maharashtra.
- Why
- To implement food safety and balanced-diet regulations and protect schoolchildren from unsafe and nutritionally poor food.
- Principals briefed
- More than 1,800 principals from Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Sangli
- HFSS restriction
- Sale, serving, display, distribution and promotion of high-fat, sugar and salt foods are prohibited on school premises and within 50 metres of school gates.
- Licensing
- School canteens, meal providers, hostel kitchens, tuck shops and other suppliers must have a valid FSSAI licence or registration.
- Nutrition requirements
- Schools are directed to provide fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, dairy products and safe drinking water.
- School responsibilities
- Each school must appoint a Health and Wellness Ambassador or Nodal Officer and conduct at least four food safety and nutrition programmes each academic year.
- Inspections
- The FDA will inspect every school at least twice per academic year and collect food samples at least once annually.
- Possible penalties
- Violations may result in improvement notices, licensing action, seizure or prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.