• Home
• /
• Healthcare

Private schools in Dubai to go healthy

Nutrition guidelines will be applied in canteens and lunchboxes, or schools will pay fines

Students will not be allowed to skip physical training classes unless for medical reasons. — KT file photo

Dubai — Government and private schools will strictly have to apply healthy nutrition guidelines in school canteens and to students’ lunchboxes from this academic year, according to an official from Dubai Health Authority.

Under the guidelines released last year, but being implemented this academic year, students will not be allowed to skip physical training classes unless for medical reasons, said Dr Wafa Ayesh, director of clinical nutrition at the authority (DHA).

All schools in the UAE must ensure that both suppliers and school canteens provide healthy foods for school children else they could face penalties. Though the amount of fine was not clear, Dr Wafa told Khaleej Times that Dubai Municipality would ensure school canteens followed the guidelines.

Also, the onus of the students bringing a healthy home-packed lunch box, lay on parents and school teachers, she said. Earlier this year, Dr Wafa had proposed a symbolic fine of Dh1 each time a child brought junk food so as to deter parents. The guidelines cover children from pre-school to the secondary level.

“The move is to ensure all children across government and private schools are provided with nutritious food that is needed for their growth and well-being and so that children inculcate healthy eating habits early on.”

During a live DHA Twitter Clinic held every Thursday, Dr Wafa said the guidelines will help tackle the problem of childhood obesity by ensuring children have access to nutritional foods in an environment where they spend several hours per day.

“The DHA has been a part of the ‘UAE School Specification for Healthy Foods Committee’ that has worked extensively to implement guidelines across schools in the UAE to ensure nutritional food is provided in school premises.”

The specifications are detailed and include guidelines such as nutritional value of food, colour, additives, preservatives, wrapping, transportation and storage of food. “We have put into place guidelines every step of the way — from the time the food is produced until it is consumed.”

In 2013, DHA conducted a healthy lunch box campaign across 80 private and government schools in Dubai targeting more than 5,000 school children.

Ayesh added that parents while packing a healthy lunch box should consider the safety and nutritional value of food. “I would highly recommend that parents use frozen icepacks while sending perishable food items to school so that food does not get spoiled. This is extremely important because of the hot climate we live in.” Secondly, the more colourful the lunch box, the more nutritious it is, she said.

“Once in school, children will pick up infections. Children must learn to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds before eating,” added Dr Wafa.

Addressing the issue of oral hygiene, she said: “The rate of caries is high in this region. So after your child eats a sugary food, they should gargle at school, if not, ask them to eat a cucumber or carrot or drink water to prevent teeth decay.”

Soha Noufal, head of nutrition unit at Dubai Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre said: “One of the fundamental mistakes school students make is carrying heavy school bags, some of them even carry it on one shoulder, this tilts the spine and ruins the posture.”

“The thumb rule is that your child’s school bag should not be more than 10 per cent of your child’s body weight. Parents should also sit with their children and clear out unwanted items from school bags and non-essential items can be kept in the school locker.”

Mariam Al Shamsi, head of nutrition education unit at the DHA, said: “Studies show that breakfast eaters tend to have higher school attendance. It is important to encourage them to have a sit-down nutritious breakfast every morning, even if this means waking up earlier. Breakfast on-the-go is a habit that should be discouraged.”

The UAE School Specification for Healthy Foods Committee’ comprises of experts from the DHA, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Dubai Municipality, HAAD and some academic universities. - asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

Foods allowed

1. Biscuits and sweets

• It is recommended to provide dates in small packages or along with biscuits

• If the biscuit or wafers include chocolate, the biscuit part must be predominant

• Sweets shouldn’t be in the form of toys or with sharp geometric shapes

2. Juices

Fresh juices without preservatives

3. Dairy products

• Pasteurised or long-life milk prepared from fresh milk

• Milk with natural flavours such as chocolate and strawberry

• Yogurt drink

• Yogurt and yogurt with natural fruits

• It is recommended that all these products have low-fat content

• Natural flavours and fruits are allowed

4. Group of meat, fish, poultry and pulses

• Should be free of fats (or low) and skinless

• Lentils and pulses can replace meat in soups

• Vegetarian meals, such as falafel sandwich or vegetable sandwich with the addition of leafy vegetables, may be displayed. This can also be served as the lunch meal for vegetarians

5 Carbohydrates and their products

• It is recommended that all types of bread are made from wheat or whole grains.

• Percentage of added sugar shouldn’t exceed 6gm/100gm

6. Fruits and vegetables

Fruits:

• The canteen should offer 3 types of fresh seasonal fruits daily (chilled)

• It is recommended to offer yogurt with fruits

• Fruits salads must be stored chilled and sold at a reasonable price

Vegetables:

• Green and coloured leafy vegetables should be sold. If served cooked, the vegetables should preferably be boiled or grilled or cooked using light vegetable oil

• Green salads should be provided at all times. The content of salt and oil and other additives, such as sauces and mayonnaise, should be minimised

• Cereals and vegetables should be added to soups in small amounts. Synthetic colourants and additives shouldn’t be added at all

7. Bottled water

• Pre-packaged (bottled) water approved by Dubai Municipality will be allowed in school canteens. The bottle should be of appropriate shape and size so that students can handle them easily