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The UAE's Education Ministry has announced it will impose a nationwide ban on the sale and consumption of unhealthy and processed food in school cafeterias, according to Emarat Al Youm. The move comes as part of efforts to protect students’ physical and mental health.
Under the new mandates, schools are neither allowed to sell nor permit students to bring items such as processed meat (including mortadella and sausages), instant noodles, soft drinks, sugary snacks like chocolate and packaged biscuits, chips, cakes, pastries high in fat and sugar, or flavoured nuts.
The ministry has also prohibited peanuts and peanut-based products due to their potential danger for children with severe allergies.
This decision is backed by international health recommendations that warn against the long-term effects of the consumption of highly processed foods for children, including obesity and chronic disease.
A Global Obesity Observer study found that over 33% of Emirati children are overweight, with 17% categorised as obese.
The ministry voiced concerns that poor diets can negatively affect students’ concentration and academic performance.
'Schools must be environments that support healthy habits,' the ministry said in a statement, stressing that proper nutrition is the first line of defence against illness and plays a key role in enabling children to focus and excel.
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