Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Maharashtra Bans Junk Food Near Schools, 50-Metre Radius
Maharashtra’s food safety agency said that no junk food can be sold or advertised near schools.
This means no chocolates, chips, cold drinks, vada pav, samosas, or ice cream can be sold inside schools or within 50 metres of the school gates.
The rule covers all schools in the state, about 1.08 lakh schools and 2 crore students.
School canteens and food vendors must have a special licence from the food safety authority.
If schools break the rule, they can be fined or lose their licence.
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration banned sale, distribution, and advertising of high‑fat, sugary, and deep‑fried foods within school premises and a 50‑metre radius.
The ban applies to all government, aided, private, and residential schools, affecting roughly 1.08 lakh schools and 2 crore students.
Prohibited items include chocolates, chips, cold drinks, vada pav, samosas, ice cream, and other HFSS foods; vendors must also stop advertising and free distribution.
All school canteens, midday‑meal kitchens, and food suppliers must obtain valid FSSAI licences, and schools must set up Food Safety Boards and appoint supervisors.
Violations can lead to warnings, licence suspension or cancellation, and legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
- Who
- Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe
- What
- Issued a statewide ban on sale, distribution, and advertising of high‑fat, sugary, and deep‑fried foods within school premises and a 50‑metre radius
- When
- July 29, 2026
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To promote healthy eating and reduce childhood obesity and related health issues
- Agency
- Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration
- Commissioner
- Tukaram Mundhe
- Effective Date
- July 29, 2026
- Scope
- All schools in Maharashtra
- Radius
- 50 metres
- Prohibited Items
- HFSS foods (chocolates, chips, cold drinks, vada pav, samosas, ice cream, etc.)
- Licensing Requirement
- FSSAI licence for canteens and suppliers
- Enforcement
- Violations subject to fines, licence suspension, and legal action
Sources
No cold drinks, samosas: Maha bans junk food near schools
No chocolates, chips, cold drinks in Maharashtra schools anymore; FDA’s Tukaram Mundhe issues order
Sale of food and beverages high in fat and sugar banned near premises of schools in Maharashtra: FDA
Maharashtra FDA bans processed foods, drinks within 50 metres of schools - Telegraph India
Maharashtra bans junk food sales near schools, mandates FSSAI licences for canteens
No French Fries, Vada Pav, Samosas Or Biscuits: These Junk Food Items Won't Be Sold Near Maharashtra Schools
Maharashtra FDA Bans Sale Of Chocolates, Ice Cream, Vada Pav & Junk Food In Schools, Within 50-Metre Radius