A recent audit conducted by Dubai Municipality has uncovered significant shortcomings in the nutritional quality of food offered in school canteens across the emirate. The audit, part of the My School Food campaign, examined over 7,000 food items across more than 200 schools, revealing a lack of fruit options and the use of banned ingredients in some cases. Hassa Al Sumaiti, Acting Head of the Applied Nutrition and Awareness Section, highlighted the disparity between schools offering healthy choices and those failing to meet basic nutritional standards. She emphasized the importance of fruits in daily nutrition and the need for stricter oversight to ensure compliance with dietary guidelines. The findings were discussed at the Dubai International Food Safety Conference, where Al Sumaiti stressed the long-term impact of school food on children’s health and academic performance. The audit is the first phase of a broader initiative to improve school food systems in Dubai, with pilot programs already underway in selected schools. The municipality plans to implement these improvements citywide, aiming to foster healthier eating habits and reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases among students. Additionally, the event honored students who participated in the school food hero competition, showcasing innovative ideas like AI-powered canteens to promote sustainability and nutrition.
Less fruits, banned items: Many Dubai school canteens fail on nutrition, audit finds
