Only 250 institutions in Kerala have earned the ‘Eat Right Campus’ certification, while the validity of certificates for 204 institutions has already lapsed. The initiative, launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), aims to ensure safe, healthy and sustainable food on campuses across the state.

  • Only 250 institutions in Kerala hold the Eat Right Campus certification
  • Certificates for 204 institutions have expired
  • Certification evaluates four core parameters

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced the ‘Eat Right Campus’ project to guarantee safe, nutritious and environmentally sustainable food in educational and work environments. Colleges, universities, private and government organisations, NGOs, hospitals, anganwadi centres and jails are eligible to apply.

As of mid‑September, Kerala records 250 certified institutions. District‑wise distribution is: Kannur (27), Kollam and Thrissur (25 each), Thiruvananthapuram (17), Pathanamthitta (12), Alappuzha (20), Kottayam (18), Ernakulam (19), Idukki (16), Palakkad (19), Malappuram (23), Kozhikode (14), Wayanad (8), Kasaragod (7).

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Evaluation Parameters: Institutions are assessed on four pillars – (1) food‑safety measures, (2) provision of healthy meals, (3) environmentally sustainable practices, and (4) awareness‑building for right food choices. A campus scoring three or more stars on a five‑star scale earns a two‑year certification.

Recently, the certificates of 204 institutions expired, raising concerns about ongoing monitoring of food safety on those campuses. Officials noted that many institutions hesitate due to procedural delays and funding constraints linked to the FoSTaC programme.

Historical Background

The ‘Eat Right Campus’ initiative was launched in 2019 by FSSAI to standardise food‑safety norms across Indian campuses. Nationwide, over 5,000 institutions have achieved the rating, but Kerala’s uptake remains modest, highlighting regional implementation gaps.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the low adoption rate in Kerala could exacerbate public‑health risks, especially as campuses are high‑density environments where food‑borne illnesses can spread rapidly.

"Without robust nutrition and safety standards, campuses can become hotspots for health crises," says Prof. Anjali Mehta, public‑health expert.
Did You Know?: Only about 10% of Indian campuses have met the Eat Right Campus criteria so far.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long is the Eat Right Campus certification valid?
A: The certification remains valid for two years, after which a re‑evaluation is required.

Q2: Which types of institutions can apply for this certification?
A: Colleges, universities, both private and government workplaces, NGOs, hospitals, anganwadi centres and prisons are eligible.