Spain bans junk food in schools: Drive towards nutritious lunches comes as a third of kids considered ‘overweight’ – CSN News

The Spanish government is taking a major step to provide healthier school lunches in order to fight obesity and overweight in children.

A new law passed this week bans the sale of soft drinks, processed food and pastries in schools. 

In a new initiative, all schools, both public and private from preschool through high school, must provide five nutritious meals. The goal is to use the cafeteria to promote healthy eating habits and to close the wealth inequality gap among lower-income families. 

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According to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition, 36% of Spanish children are overweight. This number nearly reaches 50% for families with low income.

In the future, school cafeterias plan to serve more fresh fruit, fish and whole grains while avoiding sugary and high-fat food. 

To ensure that menus are balanced, certain allocations have been made.

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According to the new decree, 45% of fruits and vegetables must be seasonal. One to three portions per week should contain fish. At least one whole-wheat bread and pasta serving is required each week. 

In addition, the decree states that no more than five grams of sugar can be contained in one container. This means that soft drinks, energy drinks and juices are not allowed to be sold at schools. 

The new rules also restrict the sale of precooked foods like pizza, fried food and croquettes to only one serving per calendar month.