Which state government in India banned the sale of food items classified as “High in Fat, Salt and Sugar” (HFSS) in school canteens across the state?

Introduction / Context:
Child nutrition and health are major public policy concerns, and several state governments in India have acted to reduce the availability of junk food in schools. HFSS food stands for “High in Fat, Salt and Sugar” and includes items such as chips, sugary drinks, and certain fast foods. The question asks which state government banned the sale of HFSS foods in school canteens, an important step aimed at protecting children's health.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The ban concerns foods high in fat, salt, and sugar sold in school canteens.
• The policy applies across the entire state concerned.
• The options list Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Haryana.
• We assume the ban was formalised through a government notification or resolution, and the question refers to that specific action.

Concept / Approach:
The concept tested is awareness of state level public health initiatives, especially those linked to school environments. Maharashtra issued a government resolution that listed HFSS items and prohibited their sale in school canteens, while recommending healthier alternatives. Therefore, the approach is to recall which state's school health rules received national coverage for banning HFSS food items, and identify that state from the list of options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that HFSS food refers to items like chips, sugary soft drinks, pizzas, burgers, and other junk food commonly sold near schools.Step 2: Recall that Maharashtra's government passed a resolution specifically banning HFSS items in school canteens.Step 3: Check the options for Maharashtra.Step 4: Confirm that other states listed in the options were not highlighted in national media for this exact HFSS school canteen ban at that time.Step 5: Select Maharashtra as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
For verification, remember that news reports on the ban mentioned that Maharashtra listed various categories of foods that could not be sold in school canteens, along with a list of healthier items that were allowed. This formed part of the state's effort to address obesity and lifestyle diseases among children. No parallel resolution from Rajasthan, Odisha, or Haryana received equivalent attention as the primary HFSS school canteen ban during that period.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Rajasthan) is incorrect because although the state may have its own health initiatives, it was not the one widely reported for this HFSS school canteen ban. Option C (Odisha) is also incorrect because such a state wide policy on HFSS food in school canteens was not a major national news item for that state at that time. Option D (Haryana) has introduced some health measures but did not feature as the state that banned HFSS foods in school canteens across its territory in the way Maharashtra did.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to guess based on which state a candidate perceives as more health conscious or developed instead of relying on specific policy memory. Another mistake is mixing up this HFSS ban with other rules, such as restrictions on plastic or tobacco near schools. To avoid confusion, students should clearly associate the term HFSS school canteen ban with Maharashtra in their notes.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Maharashtra, the state government that banned the sale of High in Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) foods in school canteens across the state.