India is considering a new regulation that would restrict the sale and advertising of unhealthy foods within 50 meters of schools. This initiative aims to reduce the exposure of schoolchildren to foods that are high in fat, salt, or sugar. The Indian Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) introduced nutritional guidelines in August to identify which products would be affected and invited public feedback until October 6. The federal proposal also aims to prevent businesses near schools from selling or promoting these foods to students, though an exact timeline for implementation has not yet been set. The idea was first introduced in 2020 as part of broader efforts to improve children's health. Some Indian states have already taken stricter measures. In Maharashtra, which includes the city of Mumbai, businesses located within 50 meters of a school are prohibited from selling the affected products, regardless of the buyer. This makes enforcement simpler compared to a rule that would only restrict sales to children. Inspections have already begun, and violations have been found in 133 businesses near schools. Of these, 51 have been ordered to stop operating in that area. The government also hopes to encourage the food industry to reform its products. Businesses can still sell foods that meet the nutritional thresholds set by authorities. Rajit Punhani, director general of the Indian food safety authority, said that both manufacturers and retailers can adjust by offering products with lower levels of fat, salt, and sugar. This initiative comes in response to a significant rise in overweight and obesity among Indian children and adolescents. According to the International Obesity Federation, the number of children and teens aged 5 to 19 who are overweight or obese increased from 28 million in 2015 to 41 million in 2025, a nearly 50% increase in just 10 years. This trend is expected to continue, potentially reaching 56 million by 2040. Cheap, processed foods are becoming more common in Indian households. Brands like Lay's chips, Cadbury chocolates, and instant Maggi noodles have gained popularity. In 2023, Domino's launched its cheapest pizza in the world in India, priced at about 45 cents, by simplifying its recipe and removing ingredients like tomatoes. India's approach to addressing this issue is partly inspired by Chile, which has required nutritional warnings on food packaging and banned the sale and promotion of unhealthy foods near schools since 2016. A study in The Lancet found that this policy led to a modest but measurable decline in childhood obesity rates. However, concerns have been raised by small business owners, who fear a significant drop in sales. In Bhubaneswar, a dozen small merchants estimate that their income could fall by at least a third. The Indian Confederation of Commerce and Food Industry has warned that the regulation could lead to "commercial losses and loss of livelihoods," and has called for restrictions to be limited to areas within the schools themselves.