New Regulation Prohibits Sale of Unhealthy Snacks Around Jammu‑Kashmir Schools

A fresh regulation from the Jammu‑Kashmir FDA bans the sales of junk food in a 50‑metre ring surrounding all schools. The rule, derived from the Food Safety and Standards (School Children – Safe Food and Balanced Diet) Regulations, 2020, obliges every educational institution to block the distribution of items high in saturated and trans fats, added sugar, or sodium. The FDA further stipulated that any catering service operating inside a school must be licensed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, meet prescribed hygiene criteria, and maintain a food‑safety monitoring board. School administrators are also directed to monitor meal schedules, provide free safe drinking water and appoint a health‑and‑well‑being officer or team to oversee compliance.