Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) has introduced new, comprehensive guidelines for school food services, starting from the 2024/25 academic year. By the start of the 2025/26 academic year, these changes must be fully implemented, creating a healthier food environment within schools.
Ban on Junk Food
The new policy bans junk food in school canteens, aiming to reduce the availability of unhealthy food options for students. Strict prohibitions include items such as alcohol, fizzy drinks, pork, and allergen-containing foods. Additionally, food delivery services like Talabat and Deliveroo are prohibited during school hours to ensure that nutritional standards are maintained.
Health-Conscious Guidelines for School Canteens
The guidelines focus on creating a healthier eating environment. This includes strict allergy management protocols, with schools required to maintain detailed records of students’ food allergies and intolerances. They must also ensure that all food is properly labeled and establish clear procedures for handling allergic reactions. Staff supervision during mealtimes is also emphasized to monitor food consumption, address eating disorders, and prevent food-related bullying.
Promoting Healthy Eating Habits
The policy advocates for healthy food choices and limits foods like fried items, which contribute to health issues such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Schools must respect the religious, cultural, and ethical dietary needs of minority groups, and students are encouraged to provide feedback on the food services.
Training and Engagement
All school staff, including teachers and canteen workers, are required to attend mandatory training sessions conducted by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC) to ensure they can effectively promote healthy eating habits. Additionally, parents are engaged in the process by sharing healthy eating guidelines and information about restricted foods.
With these guidelines, Abu Dhabi schools are set to foster a more health-conscious environment for students, contributing to their overall well-being and long-term health.
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