Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Maharashtra Bans Junk Food, Study Shows Warning Labels Boost Healthy Choices
Maharashtra’s health officials decided to stop selling junk food like chocolate and chips in school canteens.
A student researcher tested how different labels on food boxes affect what teens choose.
She found that a big warning sign made 8 out of 10 teens pick the healthier biscuit.
Without a label, only 3 out of 10 did.
The study shows that labels can help teens make better food choices, even outside school.
The government still needs to decide on a national labeling rule for all food sold in India.
Maharashtra’s FDA banned junk food from all school canteens this week.
A study of 120 Mumbai teens showed warning labels increased healthy choices to 80%.
Without front‑of‑pack labels, only 33% chose the healthier biscuit; Nutri‑Score and Health Star Rating improved choices but less than warning labels.
The ban controls supply inside schools, but labeling policy for the wider food market remains unfinalised by FSSAI.
Experts say the study demonstrates the need for mandatory front‑of‑pack warning labels to guide adolescent food choices.
- Who
- Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, experts Revant Himatsingka and Dr. Shweta Khandelwal, 120 Mumbai teens
- What
- Ban on junk food in schools and study on front‑of‑pack warning labels
- When
- This week (2026) and study published 2026
- Where
- Maharashtra, Mumbai schools and wider Indian food market
- Why
- To improve teen nutrition and enforce food safety rules
- Ban on junk food in schools
- Maharashtra FDA order
- Study on front-of-pack labels
- 120 Mumbai teens
- Healthy choice rate with warning label
- 80%
- Maharashtra FDA Commissioner
- Tukaram Mundhe
- FSSAI labeling policy
- Pending