The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has banned the sale, advertisement and free distribution of processed and packaged foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt within 50 metres of school premises.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the order will be implemented strictly across the state to promote healthy eating habits among children.
The guidelines apply to all government, aided and private schools affiliated with any education board, covering nearly two crore students in around 1.08 lakh schools.
He said school canteens, hostel kitchens, midday meal kitchens and food suppliers must obtain mandatory food safety licences and registrations.
School heads and local authorities have been directed to ensure compliance with the new norms, which cover children from 22 months of age up to Class 12 students.
