India could ban junk food sales near schools

India is moving closer to banning junk food in and near schools as a way of encouraging children to eat more healthily.

The new regulations would restrict the sale of foods high in fat and sugar ​within 50-metres of schools.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which is in charge of the proposals, said the plan aimed to steer children away from unhealthy habits early on.

The rule would impact stores, restaurants and food stands close to India's 1.5 million schools.

Under the law, businesses will still be able to sell things like samosas, pizzas and burgers to adult customers.

However, the western state of Maharashtra, home to Mumbai, has banned products high in fat, sugar and salt from all shops within 50 metres of schools.

State data accessed by the media agency Reuters showed inspectors found 133 shops within 50 metres of schools had violated the rule, with 51 ordered to stop

The number of Indian children aged 5-19 considered overweight or ​obese has gone up from 28 million in 2015 to 41 million by 2025 according to World Obesity Federation data.

India has already introduced stricter food safety warnings.

There is no fixed timeline for the law, first proposed in 2020, though the authority is asking for public feedback until 6 October.

Chile, Mexico and Spain have all banned junk food such as ultra-processed food and sugary drinks in schools.

New rules on school dinners in the UK, have cracked down on sugary and salty food and drink within schools with tighter restrictions coming in across England.

But there are also calls for similar rules near schools.

In July a group of MPs, called the health committee, said fast food chains should be stopped from opening near schools.

And some places including Southend-on-Sea City Council have already put in place regulations to stop this with planning application for hot food takeaways and fast-food outlets refused if they are within 400m (1,300ft) of a school.