Karnataka proposes statewide ban on junk food around schools

The Karnataka government is set to ban the sale of junk food in and around schools as part of its efforts to encourage healthier eating habits among children and strengthen food safety standards across the state.

Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader announced that the government is preparing to prohibit the sale of burgers, pizzas, and other junk food items to schoolchildren.

He said the move is accompanied by proposed changes to food safety regulations aimed at improving the quality of food available to children.

Khader said many health problems among children are linked to the consumption of unhealthy food and stressed the need to promote nutritious diets that support growth and development.

“We are also strengthening the food testing laboratories. Junk food, which causes health problems among children, will not be allowed to be sold in and around schools.”

The minister said the government would shortly issue an order banning the sale of junk food to children, adding that discussions with senior officials on the proposal have already taken place.

According to Khader, the government is also upgrading existing food testing laboratories and plans to establish new laboratories under the public-private partnership (PPP) model to improve food safety monitoring and enforcement.

“These laboratories will produce reports that can stand legal scrutiny,” Khader said, warning superstores and supermarkets against selling untested food products.

The proposed ban is part of the state's broader strategy to improve food safety, reduce diet-related health concerns among children, and encourage healthy eating habits from an early age.

Once implemented, the policy will prohibit the sale of junk food in and around schools, with enforcement measures expected to be outlined in the government's official notification.