Junk Food to be Banned in Karnataka Schools and Hospitals, Announces Health Minister U.T. Khader
The state plans to promote healthier eating by removing processed foods and sugary drinks from educational institutions and public hospitals.
The Karnataka government has announced plans to prohibit the sale and consumption of junk food in schools and government hospitals across the state. The move is intended to encourage healthier eating habits, particularly among children and patients recovering from illness.
Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader said the government is concerned about the growing intake of processed and unhealthy foods among students. The proposed ban will cover items such as soft drinks, chips, instant noodles, deep fried snacks, and foods that contain high levels of sugar, trans fats, and artificial preservatives.
As part of the initiative, school canteens and food vendors located within 100 meters of educational institutions will be required to offer healthier alternatives. The government plans to encourage the sale of traditional and nutritious foods, including millet based snacks, fresh fruits, butter milk, and sprouted salads.
The same standards will also apply to government hospitals. Officials said hospital canteens should provide meals that support recovery rather than foods that are high in oil, salt, or unhealthy ingredients. New guidelines will require hospital kitchens to serve fresh and nutritionally balanced meals that meet approved health standards.
To monitor compliance, the Karnataka unit of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India will deploy inspection teams to conduct surprise checks at schools and hospitals. Contractors who fail to follow the new rules may face financial penalties, while repeated violations could lead to the cancellation of their operating licences.
The government is expected to release the final notification, including the implementation schedule, next month.