India Moves to Restrict Junk Food Sales Near Schools
India is moving closer to regulations that would restrict the sale and advertising of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) within 50 metres of schools. The proposal, driven by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), would affect shops, restaurants and food stalls near the country’s 1.5 million schools, covering products such as sugary drinks, chips, chocolates, pizzas, burgers and other high-fat or high-sugar foods.
The move comes amid rising concerns over childhood obesity in India. World Obesity Federation data cited by Reuters shows that the number of overweight or obese Indian children aged 5–19 rose from 28 million in 2015 to 41 million in 2025 and could reach 56 million by 2040. FSSAI says the measures are intended to encourage healthier eating habits among children and push manufacturers to reformulate products with lower levels of fat, salt and sugar.
The proposal has raised concerns among retailers and food industry groups, particularly in areas where schools are surrounded by busy commercial markets. Maharashtra has already adopted a stricter approach, with inspectors finding violations at 133 shops within 50 metres of schools and ordering 51 to stop business. Industry representatives argue that enforcing the rule could affect livelihoods, while experiences from countries such as Chile suggest that stronger food regulations can influence consumption patterns and encourage manufacturers to change recipes.
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