Guidelines and Catering Solutions for a Balanced Future
In the UAE, school nutrition guidelines are established by several key authorities including the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). These guidelines are designed to promote healthy eating habits among children, reduce obesity, and accommodate allergies and other dietary needs.
Key Guidelines and Requirements
- Nutritional Value. Schools are required to ensure that the meals served are nutritious, placing an emphasis on reducing high levels of sugar, salt, and fats. Sustainable and safe food practices are essential, from production through to consumption. Meals should contain whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Sustainable and Safe Food. Sustainable food choices are strongly encouraged, with particular focus on food safety due to the UAE’s hot climate. Schools and caterers must ensure proper storage, transportation, and preparation of all food.
- Addressing Allergies. Schools must be mindful of students with food allergies, offering safe alternatives and ensuring allergens are clearly identified in meals to prevent any health risks.
Healthy Food Choices
Healthy food is defined as a balanced diet containing all the necessary nutrients for the body to perform and maintain various physical and mental activities. Since no single food contains all essential nutrients, it is important to ensure a variety of foods in children’s daily meals. The five major food groups that should be incorporated are:
- Cereals and Cereal Products. Including whole and processed grains such as wheat, rice, oats, and cornflakes.
- Vegetables. Including a wide variety of colourful vegetables such as aubergines, potatoes, and leafy greens like spinach.
- Fruits. Including apples, peaches, mangoes, melons, and more.
- Meat and Poultry. Including red and white meats, as well as fish.
- Dairy and Dairy Products. Including milk, yoghurt, and cheese.
Foods Allowed in Schools
- Biscuits and Sweets. Biscuits containing chocolate should have more biscuit than chocolate. Dates in small packages or paired with biscuits are recommended.
- Juices. Juices containing 30-50% natural juice nectar are permitted.
- Dairy Products. Milk and dairy products should be low-fat. Natural flavours and fruits are allowed. Pasteurised milk, milk with natural flavours (such as chocolate and strawberry), plain yoghurt, and yoghurt with fruit are encouraged.
- Meat, Fish, Poultry, and Beans. Meats should be free of fats or low in fat, and skinless. Lentils and pulses can replace meat in soups, and vegetarian options such as falafel sandwiches are also encouraged.
- Carbohydrates. Bread should be made from whole grains. A variety of carbohydrate-rich foods like pies, Arabic bread, and sliced bread should be offered.
- Fruits and Vegetables. Three types of fresh, seasonal fruits should be available daily, and it’s recommended that yoghurt with fruit is offered. Green salads and leafy vegetables should be a regular feature, prepared with minimal oils and additives.
- Water. Bottled water approved by Dubai Municipality is allowed. Adequate water intake should be promoted, especially in the summer months.
Prohibited Food Items in School Canteens
- Soft drinks
- Energy drinks
- Fruit drinks and fruit-flavoured drinks
- Milk and yoghurt with artificial flavours
- Chewing gum and candies
- Chips and plain chocolate
- Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Saturated or hydrogenated fats for frying and cooking
Recommended Foods to Limit
Low-salt and low-sodium foods should be prioritised. Encourage students to drink water instead of sugary drinks.
Companies Catering to Schools
Several catering companies in the UAE specialise in providing healthy, sustainable meals that meet government guidelines:
- Master Catering – Visit Website
- Colour My Plate Catering – Visit Website
- Emirates Taste – Visit Website
- Farsi Restaurant – Visit Website
- Harness Catering Services LLC – Visit Website
- Taste of Home – Visit Website
These caterers adhere strictly to local health authority requirements, ensuring their offerings meet nutritional guidelines while supporting sustainability.