Anti-obesity, Spain changes school menus

GD&TĐ - Spain requires public and private schools to provide fruits and vegetables in daily lunches and fish at least once a week.

New decree aims to improve school nutrition to tackle childhood obesity.

Under the new nutrition requirements, school lunches must limit fried foods, sugary drinks (over 5%), caffeine, fat and salt. Pizza and pre-made cakes can only be served once a month. Fried foods must be cooked in olive or sunflower oil. Schools are also required to have vegetarian and vegan options.

Despite its reputation for the Mediterranean diet, Spain still faces the sixth highest obesity rate in the EU. Spain's Consumer Affairs Ministry has warned that more than 70% of drinks from vending machines in schools now exceed permitted levels of sugar and caffeine.

In 2023, 15.9% of children will be obese, with rates significantly higher in low-income groups. Social class differences are also key to obesity. In families earning less than 18,000 euros a year, 46.7% of children are overweight, compared with 29.2% in families earning more than 30,000 euros.

According to Spain's Education Minister, Pablo Bustinduy, the new regulation will narrow nutritional inequalities, ensuring every child has access to healthy food, of which 45% of vegetables must be seasonal and 5% certified organic.

According to The Guardian

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/chong-beo-phi-tay-ban-nha-doi-thuc-don-hoc-duong-post740136.html