A new regulatory directive has been issued concerning the sale of food items in and around schools in Maharashtra. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has implemented a ban on the sale, distribution, and promotion of foods classified as HFSS—high in fat, trans-fat, sugar, and salt. This policy applies to the school campus itself and extends to a 50-meter radius surrounding the school grounds.

The regulation is aimed at curbing the consumption of unhealthy snacks among students. By targeting popular street foods such as vada pav and samosas, which are staples in the local diet but often high in fats and salt, the authorities intend to promote healthier eating habits within the student population. The directive is part of a broader effort to regulate the nutritional environment of educational institutions.

While the objective is public health, the enforcement of this 50-meter radius rule presents logistical challenges for local vendors who operate small stalls near school gates. The mandate effectively classifies these common, affordable snacks as prohibited items in these specific areas. There is currently no information regarding how local municipal bodies plan to enforce this perimeter or what penalties vendors might face for non-compliance. The policy reflects a growing trend of state-level interventions into school-adjacent commerce to combat childhood obesity and poor dietary choices.