Abu Dhabi bans junk food, sets strict rules for healthy eating habits in schools, canteens
Universities that serve food to students and faculty need to provide nutritious food. They should also get the necessary licenses, as well as keep inspection records and notices, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) said.
According to the policy, which was put into effect by the education department in the year 2024/25, the schools are responsible for creating a healthy food environment as well as promoting healthy food. It’s a clear-cut policy with rules about providing sustainable and healthful food.
The law calls on schools to make appropriate arrangements to regularly monitor children at snack/mealtime to:
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Make sure kids are eating proper foods (i.e., not bringing in allergens that might hurt other kids, etc.)
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Have every student get a meal every day (unless they are fasting)
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To be on the lookout for problematic food behaviour (food-related disorder, food-related bullying, etc.)
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At the parties, schools need to prohibit food items like alcohol, carbonated beverages, pork, allergens, etc.
When developing a healthy food culture, the school must make sure that unhealthy food products (allergen-related, e.g., nuts) are not allowed to be eaten or given on school property.
Parents are needed to get involved to make sure that children are eating nutritiously. The schools should tell parents about the rules of healthy and balanced food, such as what to eat. These rules will also need to specify "bad" foods, like fried foods, the school suggests parents not pack. They are the foods that are causing chronic health conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, to name a few.
Food services in the campus
The food safety policy of the school, which includes catering to the campus, has to be observed. Teachers and canteen staff should undergo training organised by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC) and other bodies concerned to promote healthy eating while observing and/or dealing with children.
Food delivery from outside providers like Talabat, Deliveroo needs to be prohibited during school time so we can keep a check on what students eat and how healthy and safe they are.
School food services must be planned and improved by the students and that can be done via the feedback forms or other way where they can contribute to their opinion and improvement ideas.
Special considerations
Schools should respect religious, cultural and ethical requirements of minorities and consult with them about food service and food labelling.
Schools need to do the following for allergies of students, as per the Abu Dhabi Food Safety Regulations:
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Document food allergies and intolerances of students, and post the records in the canteen.
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Be sure to label food labels in the event that there are any allergens in the school food.
In addition, schools should:
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Eat and exercise according to student allergies and intolerances so that the food isn’t poisonous or can be easily modified by the majority of students.
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Tell parents to report their child immediately if he develops an allergy and give them medications.
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Give allergy logs to other relevant employees, parents, and students so they are not unintentionally exposed to allergens.
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Conduct risk-minimization studies on food allergies and reduce risk.
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Having clear procedures in place for allergic reactions, particularly severe ones.
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Label and store medicines for allergies correctly.
The policy is designed to increase nutrition literacy and dietary behaviour among the school population through increased awareness of healthy, sustainable food habits and the development of schools that foster these behaviours.
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