No French Fries, Vada Pav, Samosas Or Biscuits: These Junk Food Items Won't Be Sold Near Maharashtra Schools

Published 29 July 2026 · india

No French Fries, Vada Pav, Samosas Or Biscuits: These Junk Food Items Won't Be Sold Near Maharashtra Schools Written By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026

No French Fries, Vada Pav, Samosas Or Biscuits: These Junk Food Items Won't Be Sold Near Maharashtra Schools Written By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 18:52 IST Announced by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the rules apply to all government, aided, and private schools covering children from toddlers up to Class 12 Rapid Read Schools must establish a Food Safety Board and appoint a dedicated supervisor to inspect food items. (AI generated) The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale,, and free distribution of high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) junk foods within a 50-meter radius of all school campuses. Announced by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the rules apply to all government, aided, and private schools covering children from toddlers up to Class 12. BANNED FOOD CATEGORIES Fried and Fast Foods: Samosas, kachoris, bhajiyas, french fries, and fried chicken. Bakery and Sweets: Cakes, pastries, cookies, biscuits, donuts, ice creams, and local sweets like vada pav.

Packaged Snacks and Drinks: Microwavable popcorn, frozen pizza, chips, and carbonated cola drinks. Fats and Spreads: Vanaspati ghee, stick margarine, and non-dairy coffee creamers. Enforcement and Rules School canteens, hostel kitchens, and meal suppliers must hold valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licenses. Schools must establish a Food Safety Board and appoint a dedicated supervisor to inspect food items. Local shop owners and street vendors located within 50 meters of school boundaries must strictly follow these restrictions. TUKARAM MUNDHE’S INITIATIVE IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe’s latest initiative as the Maharashtra FDA Commissioner is a massive, state-wide food safety and public health crackdown aimed at establishing a healthy food culture, specifically targeting schools. Since taking charge in May 2026, he has rolled out a strict “Save Food for Every Child" campaign across Maharashtra. Beyond the junk food ban near campuses, his broader initiative includes several key directives 1.

Mandatory School Compliance: All school canteens, hostel kitchens, mid-day meal contractors, and Anganwadis must strictly hold a valid FSSAI license. Schools must implement the “Eat Right School" concept. They are required to display a Food Safety Display Board and assign a dedicated Food Safety Supervisor. The FDA will conduct surprise food safety audits at every school twice a year. 2. Broad Statewide Food Safety Reforms: Mundhe issued a strict 8-point “Farm-to-Plate" guideline to curb milk and paneer adulteration, targeting local chillers, transit networks, and sweet vendors. Over 1,100 raids have been conducted, resulting in the direct license suspension of multiple prominent eateries, bakeries, and sports clubs across Mumbai due to unhygienic conditions. The FDA launched an AI-driven grievance web portal for citizens to report mislabeled or adulterated food directly to authorities. A consumer-first order forces all restaurants to provide free, safe drinking water, prohibiting them from forcing customers to buy bottled water.