Gujarat Schools May See Junk Food Ban Within 100 Metres; School Administrators Seek Strict Rules

The Gujarat State School Administrators’ Association has urged the Education Minister to ban the sale of junk food in school canteens and within a 100-metre radius of schools, citing concerns over children’s deteriorating health.

In a letter to the Education Minister, the association sought a complete ban on junk food, packaged food and items containing excessive amounts of oil and sugar on school premises and in the surrounding 100-metre area.

Association Seeks Maharashtra-Style Restrictions

The association referred to the Maharashtra government’s recent decision to restrict the sale of junk food within a 50-metre radius of schools and called for similar action in Gujarat.

It said children spend a significant part of their formative years in schools, with many entering at around three years of age and continuing until 18. According to the association, this period also shapes long-term eating and lifestyle habits.

The group has called for unhealthy packaged and processed food to be replaced with nutritious, traditional options in school canteens.

Peanuts, Gram And Puffed Rice Suggested

The association has proposed bringing back traditional snacks such as peanuts, roasted gram, puffed rice and sev instead of modern packaged snacks.

It has also sought a strict standard operating procedure (SOP) governing school canteens, with mandatory registration of every school canteen with the local gram panchayat, municipality or municipal corporation.

Regular Inspections And Action Proposed

The association has asked authorities to conduct periodic inspections of food served in school canteens. It also suggested involving teams of aware parents in monitoring compliance.