School cafeterias in Slovakia will no longer serve fried foods, pates, hamburgers, and mayonnaise. Drinks containing caffeine, taurine, quinine, or sugar over 5g/100ml will also be eliminated.
This order came out on March 15 to instill better eating habits and prevent health problems in children, and teenagers.
According to statistics for the year 2022, there were more than 12,000 children registered with obesity. In this regard, it was decided to pay attention to the assortment of school canteens and cafeterias.
In addition to eliminating junk food, cafeterias are required to offer children fresh vegetables, fruit, drinks, natural juices without preservatives, and meat products with a meat content of at least 80%.
Children spend a significant portion of the day at school. Therefore, experts expect that this change in meals will help children make healthier choices and switch to a healthier eating pattern.
Regional health authorities will control the assortment of buffets. It is taken into account that some changes need time, so they will be introduced gradually until the end of the school year.
