Malta’s school food policy has no nutrient-based standards, according to a study that mapped out the situation across the EU.
And the island is no exception since 11 other countries also have no food policy that determines the level of nutrients.
The study covers the most recent national policy documents for standards and guidelines on food available in primary and secondary schools.
This first assessment of school food policies is an important contribution to our fight against obesity
Malta’s school food policy dates back to 2007 but is expected to be reviewed this year.
The study describes policies according to common criteria, such as foods that are allowed or banned, nutrient levels, dining facilities, catering services and marketing restrictions.
Malta’s food policy for schools does restrict crisps and savoury snacks and limits the consumption of drinks to water, milk and fruit juice. Salt provision is also restricted and soft drinks are barred.
Malta is also one of a handful of countries that has an outright ban on vending machines in all schools. The report forms part of the European Commission’s efforts to help reduce childhood obesity.
It shows that European countries acknowledge the important contribution of school food to children’s health, development and performance. All the countries studied have guide-lines for school food, although these vary considerably.
National measures aimed at promoting healthy diets in schools range from voluntary guidelines for menus and portion sizes, to complete bans, including on marketing, vending machines and sugar-sweetened drinks.
Health Commissioner Tonio Borg said nearly one in every three children in Europe was overweight or obese and risked developing a number of preventable diseases such as diabetes.
Schools are important partners in the efforts to encourage children to develop healthy eating habits, so they can grow up in good health, perform well at school and develop to their full potential, he added.
“This first assessment of school food policies is therefore an important contribution to our fight against obesity,” Dr Borg said. Over 90 per cent of the policies studied contained food-based standards to ensure balanced menus. This was followed by portion size guidance, found in 76 per cent of policies, and nutrient-based standards for lunch (65 per cent).
Restrictions or recommendations related to the availability of beverages are very common, with a majority supporting free access to fresh drinking water.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com