Rajasthan High Court Bans Junk Food in Schools and Within 50 Metres of Their Gates

The Rajasthan High Court has introduced strict new directions to control the sale of junk food in and around schools across the state.

Under the order, schools will no longer be allowed to sell chips, carbonated drinks, trans-fat bakery products and other food items high in fat, sugar or salt inside their canteens. The restriction will also apply to shops and vendors operating within 50 metres of school gates.

The decision has been taken to create a healthier food environment for children. Even when unhealthy products are removed from school canteens, students can easily purchase them from shops located immediately outside the premises.

Every school has been directed to form a Food Safety and Nutrition Committee within four weeks. These committees will help monitor the quality and nutritional value of the food available to students.

School canteens will also have to display menu boards containing information about ingredients, calories and nutritional value within eight weeks. This will help students and parents make better-informed food choices.

District Magistrates and Block Education Officers have been directed to conduct monthly inspections to ensure that schools are following the rules.

The directions also cover midday meals and other school nutrition programmes, which must follow prescribed food-safety and balanced-diet standards.

The new rules will apply to schools across Rajasthan, including Jaipur. School administrations, canteen operators and vendors near educational institutions will now be expected to ensure compliance.

The move is aimed at reducing unhealthy eating habits, childhood obesity and lifestyle-related health problems among students.