Keep junk food away from schools

The Food and Drugs Administration’s directive to keep junk food at least 50 metres away from school gates is a welcome intervention, but its success will depend entirely on enforcement. A regulation that exists only on paper will do little to protect children from unhealthy eating habits that can have consequences well beyond their school years. Children are particularly vulnerable to aggressive marketing of foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. Schools are meant to be environments where healthy habits are taught and encouraged, yet students often encounter precisely the opposite as soon as they step outside the school gate. Easy access to chips, sugary drinks, processed snacks and other unhealthy products can undermine lessons on health and nutrition. The 50-metre restriction therefore makes practical sense. Equally important are the requirements for licensed food operators, hygienic kitchens, safe drinking water, food safety display boards and regular inspections. These measures recognise that food safety is not merely about preventing illness; it is also about creating a culture of responsible nutrition. However, enforcement cannot be left solely to school heads. The FDA and education authorities must conduct regular, unannounced inspections and act against violations. Local administrations also need to ensure that vendors do not simply shift a few metres away from the prescribed boundary. Schools should maintain clear mechanisms for parents and students to report violations. At the same time, enforcement should be accompanied by education. Children need to understand why excessive consumption of junk food is harmful, while parents should be encouraged to provide healthier alternatives. Protecting children from unhealthy food environments is an investment in the future. J&K has taken the right step; the next challenge is ensuring that the rule is implemented consistently, without exceptions or tokenism.