Delhi BJP asks Lt Governor to ban sale of junk food in schools

New Delhi: Delhi BJP president Harsh Vardhan Thursday urged Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung to ban sale of junk food from all government and private schools in the national capital for the "good health" of children, following a High Court observation.

The court yesterday had directed for a list to be prepared segregating healthy food items from that of eatables which have high fat, sugar and salt contents. "Many schools are playing with the health of children violating the directions of the government in this regard. In schools, rich fat items like deep fried chips, chole bature, canned beverages, pizza, burgers are being sold for which the schools authorities should be held responsible as children do not have that much of judgement power to understand what is right for their health," said Vardhan. He further said that health of children should be given prime importance in the schools across the country. The court yesterday sought responses within two weeks from various stakeholders on draft guidelines of an expert committee, appointed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), on regulation of sale of junk food and aerated drinks in and around school premises in the country. The court is hearing the PIL filed by Uday Foundation seeking an immediate ban on junk food and carbonated drinks in all unaided and private schools. The NGO has also sought a direction to initiate measures to discourage availability of fast food within 500 yards of schools in Delhi, apart from a canteen policy. The court has since July last year been asking FSSAI to come out with comprehensive guidelines for regulating sale of junk food and aerated drinks in and around school premises in the country.