Guidelines on junk food in schools to be framed; FSSAI to HC

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) told a bench of Acting Chief Justice A K Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw that in pursuance of the earlier direction, it has given the task to formulate the guidelines to the private firm after inviting proposals from various expert agencies who do similar work.

The court took into records a report submitted by the FSSAI and fixed the hearing on the PIL on March 22 next year.

The report stressed the need for guidelines saying besides the students studying in public schools, there are more than twelve crores children are studying in government-run primary and upper primary schools in the country.

"There are several reported incidents of food poisoning in the schools due to unhygienic food served there," it said adding that hence, it necessitated the framing of guidelines.

Detailing the scope of study and subsequent guidelines, the FSSAI, in its report, today told the court that AC Nielsen QRG-MARG Pvt Ltd will review the present status of the safety and quality of food and also the sanitary and hygiene conditions of the food which is available in the school premises.

The court had earlier in January given six months time to FSSAI for framing guidelines on banning the sale of junk food and aerated drinks in and around educational institutions in the country. (More)