According to the World Health Organization, healthy eating in childhood promotes optimal growth and development while reducing the risk of overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other non-communicable diseases later in life. Even UNICEF notes that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, dairy, eggs, and other protein-rich foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that support immune function and help children fight infections. Keeping these key points in view, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Maharashtra Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe recently directed all schools in the state to ban the sale of unhealthy foods, such as chocolates, chips and cold drinks, from campuses, citing widespread non-compliance with a 2020 central regulation. According to the official release, the sale, display, or advertisement of foods high in saturated fat, trans-fat, added sugar or sodium (HFSS) is also prohibited on or within 50 metres of the school campuses.
What did the order say?
The order invokes Section 30(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to enforce the FSSAI’s Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School Regulations, 2020, rules that took effect from July 2021.
The order directed all schools – government, aided and private – to enforce nutrition standards, the FDA order states that menus must proactively feature fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and dairy. According to the official release, the order invokes Section 30(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to enforce the FSSAI’s Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School Regulations, 2020, rules that took effect from July 2021. The order banning chocolates, chips and other items comes amid an FDA clampdown on eateries across Maharashtra violating food safety practices. Addressing a press conference, Tukaram Mundhe said a list of foods, considered unhealthy for school kids, is available on the FDA website. The directive applies to all pre-primary, primary, elementary and secondary schools, residential schools and hostels, and institutions affiliated with the State Board, CBSE, ICSE or any other board. It binds every food business operator (FBO), canteen, mid-day meal provider, hostel kitchen and tuck shop operating on or near school premises. The order notes that violations of food safety law can carry penalties up to life imprisonment under Section 59 of the Act, depending on the harm caused.
What did Tukaram Munde say?
The order notes that violations of food safety law can carry penalties up to life imprisonment under Section 59 of the Act, depending on the harm caused.
“The whole list is available on our website. But just to give an example, cold drinks, chocolate, caffeinated drinks shouldn’t be available in the school and 50 meters within the school premise,” Mundhe told in the press conference. When asked if Chinese food with ajinomoto can be sold in or outside schools, Tukaram Mundhe said “no”. “The larger objective is healthier students,” he reiterated. According to him, the schools must also ensure that all food served within the school campus conforms to dietary guidelines from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), with adequate macronutrients, micronutrients and hydration. When asked if schools would be given some time to implement these guidelines, Mundhe said that the rule was implemented in 2021. “They had a lot of time in hand, it takes effect immediately,” he said, adding that schools—whether government, aided or private, whether in rural or urban areas—that won’t comply may loose their affiliation.
What are schools required to do?
Mundhe has directed the appointment and training of one individual as a designated nodal officer. Schools are also required to display warning boards at entrances, keep FBO licences visible, comply with hygiene norms under the FSS Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2011, and ensure computers and digital infrastructure carry no HFSS advertising.
10 healthy Maharashtrian homemade snacks to pack for school
While buying food from a school canteen is an easy alternative, homemade food will always have the upper hand with its nutritional values, hygiene and comfort. Also, traditional Maharashtrian dishes offer a variety of wholesome options made with whole grains, lentils, vegetables, and natural ingredients that provide lasting energy without relying on processed foods. Take a look at 10 homemade snacks that one can pack for school.
Maharashtrian homemade snacks to try
Thalipeeth: It is a multigrain-flatbread made with a mix of flours like rice, jowar, and besan, combined with onions, coriander, and spices.Kothimbir Vadi: It refers to steamed and fried savoury cakes made from coriander leaves, gram flour, and spices, offering a crispy and aromatic snack.Poha Cutlets: Loved by school kids, this snack is made with flattened rice mixed with vegetables and mild spices, shaped into patties and pan-fried, making for a delicious and healthy snack. Zunka: It is a dry preparation made from chickpea flour (besan), tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices, often served with bhakri.Dhirde: These are savory pancakes, made from jowar, bajra, or rice flour with grated vegetables, and can be rolled and enjoyed as a snack in school. They are rich in fiber, protein and healthy fats. Ghavan: These are soft rice pancakes made with rice flour, water, oil and salt and are best paired with coconut or peanut chutney or can be rolled up for easy eating during school breaks. The best part is, they don’t require any fermentation and can be made in a jiffy. Sabudana Thalipeeth: This snack dish is made by combining tapioca pearls, potatoes, and peanuts and is a traditional snack that provides energy and healthy fats.Shengdana Ladoo: This is a snack made with roasted peanuts and jaggery and is easy to prepare at home. Compared to packaged chocolates these naturally sweet treats are rich in protein, iron, and healthy fats and are quite filling.
Made with semolina, Upma is a simple and healthy dish
Vegetable Upma: It is a classic dish made with roasted semolina and mixed vegetables like carrot, peas and beans, which are cooked in a kadhai or pan along with a tempering of oil, curry leaves, mustard seeds and peanuts. It is easy to pack and full of nutrition. Methi Paratha: This is a wholesome meal that pairs best with pickle and can be rolled to make a snack. All you need to do is, combine whole wheat flour with fenugreek leaves and spices, knead a soft dough, roll out parathas and cook it on a tawa using ghee or oil. It is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals while staying soft for hours.