Education Ministry Bans Junk Food in School Cafeterias in UAE
The Ministry of Education in the UAE has taken a decisive step to protect students’ health by imposing a nationwide ban on the sale and consumption of unhealthy foods in school cafeterias, Emarat Al Youm reported.
Under the new directive, cafeterias will no longer be allowed to sell, nor students permitted to bring, items such as processed meats (including mortadella and sausages), instant noodles, soft drinks, sugary snacks like chocolate and packaged biscuits, chips, cakes, pastries high in fat and sugar, or flavoured nuts.
Additionally, peanuts and peanut-based products are prohibited due to the risks they pose to children with severe allergies.
The ministry explained that this policy comes in line with international health recommendations that highlight the long-term dangers of such foods for children, including obesity and chronic disease. Beyond physical health, poor diets are also known to undermine concentration, memory, and academic performance.
“Schools must be environments that support healthy habits,” the ministry said, noting that proper nutrition is the first line of defence against illness and a key factor in enabling children to focus and excel.
Parents were encouraged to provide balanced meals at home and refrain from sending children to school with high-fat or high-sugar options. Special emphasis was placed on breakfast, described as the most important meal of the school day, fueling energy, boosting memory, and helping reduce the urge to consume unhealthy snacks later.
The ministry underscored that building healthy eating habits from a young age is a shared responsibility between schools and families.
This decision reflects not just a public health policy but a recognition of every child’s right to a safe, supportive learning environment and access to proper nutrition, fundamental to their growth, learning, and long-term well-being. Protecting students from harmful foods is, in essence, protecting their right to health.
