Karnataka schools yet to digest what’s junk food

Karnataka government banned sale, free distribution, advertisement and promotion of high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) food products within school and pre-university college campuses, canteens and a 50-metre radius around them.

The advisory does not specify a list of prohibited food items, leaving schools and vendors unclear about what qualifies as junk food.

Health minister UT Khader said a more detailed list will be issued, and the ban is the first phase aimed at preventing lifestyle diseases.

School managements are responsible for enforcing the ban on their premises and must install warning signboards discouraging sale of HFSS foods.

The ban follows a similar order by Maharashtra and raises enforcement questions for areas outside school premises.