The Ministry of Education has banned nine food items in school canteens in order to preserve the safety and health of students.
According to the circular issued to UAE schools, items such as sausages, marmalade, pastrami, and iodine are banned for their high levels of saturated fat, sodium, monosodium and artificial flavours.
Chocolates containing nuts are also banned for containing high proportions of saturated fat.
Sugar drinks including energy drinks, flavoured water, sports drinks, sugar-sweetened juices, artificial flavours, cold tea, and ice-cold drinks are prohibited in schools. The list further includes desserts such as cream cake and doughnuts
The ministry called on school principals to stress that students and their parents should refrain from eating these types of foods, encourage students to eat healthy foods, and not bring food that is not allowed to school.
9 food types banned in public schools:
- Processed meat
- Instant noodles
- Chocolate bars
- Chocolate spread
- Sweets
- Peanuts
- French fries
- Soft drinks
- Cream tarts and doughnuts