Following Abu Dhabi's recent decision to ban junk food and implement stricter regulations for healthier eating in school canteens, schools across the emirate are taking swift action to comply with the new guidelines. The move, aimed at promoting student health and well-being, has already led to significant changes in canteen operations and menus, as well as an increased focus on food education. While many parents have expressed relief, noting that the new rules will make it easier to instill healthier eating habits in their children, not all students are on board with the changes.
Commitment to Healthier Menus
At Maplewood Canadian International School (MCIS), efforts are already underway to overhaul the canteen menu. Chairman of the Parents Council, Ahmed El-Sedawy, stated that the canteen staff is working to eliminate unhealthy items and replace them with healthier alternatives. "We plan to implement major changes within the next few weeks, with a complete transition by the beginning of the next academic year," El-Sedawy said.
The school will remove processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, replacing items like sugary drinks, chips, and chocolates with fresh fruit platters, vegetable sticks with hummus, whole-wheat sandwiches, and salads. Additionally, MCIS is introducing portion control and an allergy management system to ensure safe, nutritious meals for all students. Educational sessions will also be held to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating.
Rapid Changes Across Schools
Ajyal International School has already begun implementing changes, aiming to have all adjustments in place within the next two weeks. "Our priority is the health and well-being of our students, and we are making the necessary changes immediately," said Baria Abu Zein, a member of the Board of Governors. The school is revising its menu to include fresh fruits, whole-grain snacks, and low-sugar beverages, and is also working with suppliers to ensure all food items meet the new nutritional standards.
Public Schools Leading the Way
Some public schools in Abu Dhabi have already made the transition to healthier food offerings. Bushra Ahmad, a teacher at Hamdan bin Zayed School, shared that the school has offered exclusively healthy meals since the start of the academic year. "Last year we sold pastries, but this year everything is healthy," Ahmad explained.
The school has implemented a monitoring system to ensure compliance with the new guidelines. Each classroom is equipped with a barcode that teachers can scan if they notice a student consuming prohibited food, which triggers an automated record-keeping form to notify parents.
Parents Express Relief
Many parents have expressed their relief over the decision. Shahd Mardini, a mother of two, said she frequently argued with her son, Farouq, a fourth-grader, over his eating habits. "He often wants to buy unhealthy food from the canteen like his friends," she shared. "I believe there should be no canteen at all."
For her younger son, Fahd, who is in KG1 and doesn’t have access to the school canteen, Mardini believes the new regulations will help him understand the importance of healthy eating as he grows older. "When he sees that only healthy options are available, he will realize that eating healthily is better," she added.
Rawan Fawaz, a mother of three, said she faces similar struggles with her youngest son. "He prefers to buy unhealthy food from the canteen," she said. "However, my eldest son, Hassan, thinks the ban is a great idea. He already brings healthy snacks to school."
Student Reactions
While some students are pleased with the changes, others are disappointed. Eleventh-graders Ali Al Dhanhani and Mansour Al Joury expressed their dismay, with Al Dhanhani saying, "I like to eat fatayer for breakfast, and if they ban it, they will ruin my favorite snack." Despite the policy, some students may continue to sneak in junk food, according to Al Dhanhani.
On the other hand, Hassan Zarouq, another eleventh-grader, said he supported the ban. "I think it's an amazing idea to remove junk foods. It helps keep everyone healthy," he said, noting that he already prefers bringing healthy snacks like cucumber sandwiches to school.
Conclusion
As schools in Abu Dhabi race to implement the new regulations, the city’s push for healthier eating is making waves. While the shift is welcomed by many parents and health-conscious students, the real challenge will be balancing the preferences of young, food-loving minds with the goal of promoting better nutrition
