Srinagar, Aug 27: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has directed the School Education Department to strictly enforce food safety regulations in government and private schools, including restrictions on the sale and promotion of junk food within school premises and within 50 metres of school gates.

In a communication to the Directors of School Education, the FDA called for effective implementation of the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020, aimed at ensuring hygienic, safe and nutritionally balanced food for children.

Under the regulations, schools cannot sell or offer food products high in saturated fat, trans-fat, added sugar or sodium within their premises.

The restriction also covers an area extending 50 metres in every direction from school gates. The sale, marketing and advertising of such food products to schoolchildren is prohibited within this zone.

The FDA has further directed that food services operating on school campuses must be registered or licensed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and comply with prescribed hygiene and sanitation standards.

Food facilities are also required to display Food Safety Display Boards and appoint Food Safety Supervisors wherever applicable.

The regulations require schools to designate meal times to promote healthy eating habits and provide free, safe drinking water to students.

Principals, headmasters and school management bodies have been tasked with regularly inspecting food premises and monitoring the safety, quality and hygiene of food served to students.

Schools may also appoint Health and Wellness Ambassadors or constitute Health and Wellness Teams to monitor the availability of safe and balanced food.

The FDA has asked the School Education Department and school authorities across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed regulations.