# Karnataka bans junk food near schools to fight childhood obesity 2026-08-07T09:55:45+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Karnataka government has issued an advisory banning the sale, distribution, advertisement and promotion of foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS), junk food, in schools and colleges, and within a 50-metre radius of them. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) says inspections found widespread availability of processed snacks and sugary drinks at educational institutions. The measure goes beyond existing central regulations from 2020, which lacked strict enforcement. Doctors call the move timely. India faces a rise in childhood obesity and lifestyle diseases. A national consortium led by ICMR-NIN has also recommended a health tax on HFSS foods and stricter advertising rules. The advisory aims to create healthier food environments for students during school hours. ## Coverage - thehindu.com - thehindu.com Tags: child health, food safety, junk food, Karnataka, school nutrition Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/karnataka-advisory-restricts-junk-food-sales-near-schools/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/karnataka-advisory-restricts-junk-food-sales-near-schools/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.