The Food and Drug Administration, Maharashtra State on July 28, 2026, has issued a comprehensive Standing Order directing strict, State-wide implementation of the FSSAI's Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School Regulations, 2020.
Background/Rationale:
The Order is grounded in Articles 21, 39(f) and 47 of the Constitution (right to life/health/nutrition and State's duty to improve public health and nutrition) and issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It notes that surveys reveal widespread non-compliance across Maharashtra—unlicensed canteens/vendors, free availability of HFSS (high fat, sugar, salt) foods in/around schools, disregard of nutritional guidance, and non-functional oversight mechanisms (Health and Wellness Ambassadors, Display Boards, hygiene norms)—posing serious risks to children's health and development.
Key Directions:
1. Applicability: All schools (government, aided, unaided, all boards, residential/hostels) and all food vendors/FBOs operating in or near school premises (excluding creches for infants under 22 months).
2. Nutritional Standards: Food must follow NIN/ICMR dietary guidelines, ensure balanced macro/micronutrients, and exclude HFSS products entirely from school premises; safe drinking water must be ensured.
3. Role Allocation Across Stakeholders:
• School Authorities: Must ensure FBO licensing, hygiene compliance, mandatory (not optional) appointment of a Nodal Officer/Health & Wellness Ambassador, HFSS bans, warning boards, and curriculum integration.
• Department of School Education: Ensures PM POSHAN/mid-day meal FBOs are licensed, monitors compliance, and reports annually.
• Boards of Affiliation (State Board, CBSE, ICSE, etc.): Must make compliance a condition of affiliation, require annual certificates, and act against defaulters.
• Food Safety Officers (FSOs): Must inspect schools twice yearly, collect samples annually, enforce the 50-metre HFSS-free zone around schools, and file inspection reports within 7 days.
• Assistant Commissioners/Designated Officers: Supervise FSOs, issue improvement notices, sanction prosecutions, and submit district-level compliance summaries by March 31 each year.
4. Eat Right School Initiative: Schools must adopt a Nutrition Policy, install drinking water stations, conduct at least 4 awareness sessions/year, and promote healthy eating.
5. Parent/Student Sensitisation: Awareness on health risks of HFSS foods, nutritional needs, rights under the Act, and grievance redressal via the FSSAI Helpline and FDA Maharashtra portal.
Effect: The Order takes immediate effect as a Standing Order, remaining in force for all current and future academic years until modified or superseded, and operates alongside all existing FSS Rules and Regulations.
[Notification No. FDA/Food/SchoolFoodSafety/ 967-2026]
