FSSAI Proposes Definition for "High Fat, Sugar or Sodium" Foods in Schools

FSSAI has proposed clear limits for high fat, high sugar and high salt foods sold or advertised in and around schools.

What Happened
On 7 August 2026, FSSAI published a draft notification proposing to amend the Food Safety and Standards (Safe food and balanced diets for children in school) Regulations, 2020. The draft was issued under Section 92(1) of the FSS Act, 2006, and is open for public objections and suggestions for 60 days from the date the Gazette copy is made available.

Background / Why This Matters
The 2020 school food regulations already restrict the sale and advertisement of foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium (often called HFSS foods) within school premises and their vicinity. However, the regulations never defined precise numerical thresholds for what counts as "high"  leaving schools, canteen operators, and vendors without a clear compliance benchmark. This amendment closes that gap by inserting a new Regulation 7 after the existing "Monitoring and Surveillance" clause (Regulation 6).

What Exactly Has Changed
The draft defines "high" fat, sugar, and sodium using the ICMR Dietary Guidelines for Indians–2024, as follows:

• High Fat: more than 4.2g of added fat per 100g (solid) or more than 1.5g per 100ml (liquid)
• High Sugar: more than 3g of added sugar per 100g (solid) or more than 2g per 100ml (liquid)
• High Salt: more than 0.625g of salt per 100g (solid) or more than 0.175g per 100ml (liquid)

Any product crossing these thresholds falls under the HFSS category and becomes subject to the restrictions already laid down in the 2020 regulations.

Who This Affects
School canteen and cafeteria operators, tuck-shop vendors, packaged food and beverage manufacturers supplying to schools, and any FBO advertising food products in or near school premises.

Action Points for FBOs

• Check current product formulations against the new fat/sugar/sodium thresholds
• Flag products crossing these limits as they will fall under HFSS restrictions once finalised
• Reformulate borderline products where feasible, ahead of the rule taking final effect
• Submit objections/suggestions, if any, to FSSAI's CEO or at regulation@fssai.gov.in within the 60-day window
• Track the final notification, since this is currently only a draft

Source
Draft Food Safety and Standards (Safe food and balanced diets for children in school) Amendment Regulations, 2026, F. No. SS-T0SP08(NOTI)/1/2026-Standard-FSSAI, dated 7 August 2026, signed by Rajit Punhani, CEO, FSSAI.