Karnataka: Junk food banned near schools and colleges of Bengaluru, other regions

The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has prohibited the sale of high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) food products on school and college campuses and within a 50-metre radius of educational institutions.

The move has been taken in line with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines to ensure students have access to safe, nutritious and quality food while promoting healthier eating habits.

Statewide inspections reveal concerns

As part of a statewide enforcement drive in July 2026, food safety officials inspected 134 schools, colleges and food establishments operating within and around educational institutions.


During the inspections, officials found that meals served to children in some schools contained high amounts of refined carbohydrates, including white bread, pasta and processed snack foods.

According to the department, such foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Officials stressed the need to balance meals with lean proteins and healthy fats to provide sustained energy and improve students' concentration.

Focus on food quality and safety

The inspection drive assessed food quality, hygiene and sanitation standards, labelling, the sale of expired food products, and compliance with licensing and registration requirements under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Officials also found that some food businesses operating within and around educational institutions were selling HFSS food products despite health advisories.

Samples sent for laboratory testing

During the drive, food safety officials collected 53 suspicious food samples for laboratory analysis.

The samples have been sent to the State Food Laboratory in Bengaluru. The department said legal action will be initiated against food business operators if the samples are found to violate provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011.

Advisory comes into effect

The department said an advisory issued on July 24 directs educational institutions and food vendors to discourage the sale of unhealthy food items on campuses and within a 50-metre radius of their boundaries while encouraging healthier alternatives.

Food Safety Officers have also been instructed to conduct awareness campaigns among school and college managements, food business operators and the public to ensure effective implementation of the directive.