The Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia has banned the sale and marketing of 30 food items. This also includes drinks. These have been banned in school canteens, and it includes processed meat, cold tea, chips, and fizzy drinks. All of this is part of the new measures, which aim to provide students with healthier and safer food choices.
Ministry Of Education Bans 30 Food Items From School Canteens
As revealed in a report by Gulf News, the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia has banned the sale and marketing of 30 food and drink items in school canteens. It mentions how these restrictions have been designed to promote awareness of healthy nutrition. Moreover, they aim to ensure that balanced food options are available in schools. The plan is to strengthen compliance with health standards while also governing the preparation and serving of meals.
What Does the List Include?
For those who are wondering, the banned list includes:
- Fizzy drinks
- Energy drinks
- Sports drinks
- Cold tea
- Juices containing artificial colours
- Mortadella
- Ice cream
- Chocolate-coated biscuits
- Peanuts
- Flavoured and chocolate milk
- Croissants
- Chips
- Confectionery
Other items included in the list of prohibited items are breaded meat, poultry and fish products. As such, sandwiches containing custard, chocolate, toffee or vanilla fillings, along with chewing gum, mayonnaise, and pickles.
Also Read: What Is The Emirati Dhiyafa Standards Launched By DCT Abu Dhabi?
More Things To Know About This News
However, the food which is intended for sale should be prepared on the same day that it is offered to students. And when items are refrigerated, operators must ensure that they meet stringent packing, transport, and storage requirements. Separate conditions should be set for facilities that store dry food products so that safety and quality are ensured.
Additionally, operators who provide food in school canteens must hold the commercial registration, required license, and Zakat & income certificates, along with other important documents. All of these measures aim to improve the school environment and reduce students’ access to products that are high in sugar, fat, and other ingredients, which are unsuitable for consumption on a regular basis.
So, with the ministry taking necessary measures to ensure that children can eat better food and nutrition, parents do feel at ease
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FAQs
How many food items are banned from school canteen in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has banned 30 food and drink items in school canteens.
What kind of food and drink items are banned from sale and marketing in school canteens?
Saudi Arabia has banned the sale and marketing of food items, such as meat, chips, cold tea and fizzy drinks.
