KUWAIT CITY, Aug 19: The Ministry of Education is working diligently and at full capacity to ensure a smooth start to the upcoming school year at all educational levels.

In its efforts to equip school cafeterias, the Ministry has approved a range of food products for consumption, including juices, pies, milk, sandwiches, and various types of biscuits, crackers, salads, and fruits. Simultaneously, it has prohibited seven food items from being sold in school cafeterias. These banned items include soft drinks, canned juices, sports, and energy drinks, as well as certain processed foods.

The Ministry has approved 14 food companies to provide items that comply with the standards established by the General Authority for Food and Nutrition. It stresses the importance of following health regulations for food and beverages.

Key requirements include supplying fresh milk products, sandwiches, pies, and pastries on the day they are made. Items that have been on the shelf for more than half of their total shelf life are not permitted, and all food must adhere to healthy school nutrition standards. Furthermore, damaged packaging or faded labels are not acceptable, and food must be packaged in containers that meet specific guidelines—glass containers are not allowed.

Meanwhile, the Ministry’s Educational Facilities Sector has instructed its engineering team to complete the preparation of school facilities by early September to ensure a smooth start to the academic year.

List of Prohibited Foods

The General Authority for Food and Nutrition has identified the following foods that are not permitted in school cafeterias:

1. All types of soft drinks
2. All canned fruit jucies
3. Sports drinks and foods
4. Energy drinks and foods
5. Chewing gum, lollipops, candy, and sweets
6. French fries and processed meats, such as sausages
7. Pickles, mayonnaise, and fatty sauces