The UAE health authorities have issued a new National Guide for Food and Beverages in the School Environment aimed at improving students’ nutrition, promoting healthy eating habits, and standardising food safety across schools.

The guide is designed to support school administrations, food suppliers, and service providers in ensuring that students have access to nutritious and age-appropriate meals throughout the school day.

Officials said the framework focuses on improving students’ physical and cognitive development by encouraging balanced diets that enhance concentration, memory, and academic performance while reducing risks of obesity and malnutrition.

It also introduces clear standards for the sourcing, preparation, storage, and distribution of food and beverages in schools, along with monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance across all educational institutions.

The policy applies to public, private, independent, and vocational schools, as well as centres for people of determination, and includes food suppliers and canteen operators.

Under the framework, local authorities will oversee compliance, conduct inspections, implement penalties for violations, and report findings to the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Schools are required to ensure full compliance with food safety and nutrition standards, maintain hygiene protocols, and ensure that staff handling food receive proper training.

Parents will also be given access to school canteen menus, and complaints must be recorded and addressed.

Food suppliers are required to obtain valid permits and comply with nutritional guidelines, including providing detailed information on ingredients, portion sizes, and dietary content.

Any changes to products must be updated and communicated to schools and regulators.

The guide also classifies school canteens into three types: outlets selling packaged food, cafeterias preparing fresh items such as sandwiches, and full-service school kitchens.

A strict list of prohibited items has been introduced in school environments, including sugary drinks, energy drinks, tea, coffee, confectionery, fried snacks, processed meats, cakes, doughnuts, and foods containing nuts or nut-based products.

Authorities said the initiative is aimed at creating a healthier school environment and strengthening long-term public health outcomes across the UAE.