KUWAIT CITY, May 31: In confirmation of the report published by the daily last month regarding the imminent approval of school canteen regulations, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi has officially approved the regulations prepared by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) and endorsed by the Fatwa and Legislation Department. The decision will take effect upon its publication in the official gazette “Kuwait Al-Youm”. The ministry explained that the adoption of these regulations is part of national efforts to protect students from unhealthy eating habits and to improve the quality of food offered in schools.

The school canteen regulations serve as a comprehensive framework governing the operation of cafeterias in both public and private schools. These regulations outline specific requirements related to facilities, staff qualifications, and food standards, along with oversight and inspection mechanisms, as well as a licensing and accountability system to ensure the provision of safe and nutritious food within the school environment. The regulations classify school canteens into three main categories based on the type of service provided: canteens that sell only packaged foods, those that offer ready-to-eat meals, and those equipped with kitchens for preparing hot meals. The regulations require adherence to Gulf standard specifications and technical regulations, particularly the ban on trans fats. They also outline guidelines for organizing daily meals based on basic food groups and determining appropriate calorie intake for each educational level. In addition, the regulations ban foods that are high in fat, sugar, and sodium, especially in breakfast and lunch meals served in private schools. Violations of these regulations may result in fines ranging from KD 500 to KD 3,000, with the possibility of canteen closure in cases of repeated offenses.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff