Junk Food issue: Delhi HC seeks guidelines

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to frame guidelines on a PIL seeking a ban on the sale of junk food and carbonated drinks within 1,500-foot radius of schools.

Acting Chief Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw granted six months time to FSSAI and sought a compliance report by July 25.

"FSSAI is directed to consider the issue in six months. It may invite the All India Food Processors Association (AIFPA) and restaurant associations for consultation and development of guidelines", the court said.

The AIFPA had earlier told the court that its members were dealing with processing of fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, milk and milk products and biscuits and confectionery products.

The association had contended that petitioner had failed to specify as to what kind of food should be included in the definition of junk food or fast food.

It further said that Prevention of Food Adulteration Act did not define anything as junk food or fast food.

The court had earlier asked the health ministry to apprise it of the steps taken to create awareness among students about the "harmful effects of increased consumption of junk foods".

The NGO sought a ban on the sale of junk food and carbonated drinks within 1,500-foot radius of schools.

The petition by Rahul Verma and Rakesh Prabhakar of Uday Foundation said: "It is... time we change the way kids eat in schools. Such a ban will set new standards for healthy food. On the one hand, children are taught in classroom about good nutrition..., on the other, we continue to make junk food available to them."