Sindh Bans Junk Food and Soft Drinks in Schools

To encourage healthy eating among students, the Sindh Food Authority (SFA) has issued directives to educational institutions across the province, including schools, urging them to prohibit the sale of unhealthy and junk food on their premises.

The SFA has formally written to the Secretaries of School Education, College Education, and the Local Government Department, requesting a ban on the sale of harmful food products in both schools and colleges.

The authority seeks to restrict the availability of fried snacks such as papad, brightly colored chips, soft drinks, and energy drinks within educational environments. It also emphasized the need to enforce a 2018 notification that prioritizes student health and well-being.

Educational institutions have been instructed to closely monitor their canteens and food courts to ensure compliance.

Separately, in February, the Peshawar administration imposed a ban on the sale of junk food near schools and also took measures to curb aerial firing in areas surrounding the airport.

According to a notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar, Section 144 has been enforced, prohibiting the sale of junk food within a 150-meter radius of schools. Vendors found selling substandard chips and other unhealthy food items will face legal action under this section. The order will remain in effect for 30 days.

Additionally, Section 144 has also been imposed in the vicinity of Peshawar Airport for two months, banning aerial firing, kite flying, pigeon flying, and the use of laser lights. The move aims to ensure the safety of aircraft and the surrounding public. The notification also stated that shops selling pigeons and laser lights near the airport would be restricted.