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From chicken nuggets to fries: List of banned foods from Abu Dhabi schools
Institutions should ensure that rules are followed, and a staff member should regularly check that prohibited items are not served or brought in from home
- PUBLISHED: Mon 16 Feb 2026, 6:00 AM UPDATED: Tue 17 Feb 2026, 7:24 PM
School lunch boxes should not have sugary drinks, high-fat and high-sugar foods, processed items, additives, and certain dairy and soy products, according to guidance from Abu Dhabi's education authority. The authority has issued updated healthy eating guidelines and released a list of foods and beverages that are not allowed on school premises.
Early Education Institutions (EEIs) across the UAE Capital have been instructed by the Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) to implement a sweeping food and nutrition policy and ensure parents are involved in decisions related to their children’s dietary habits.
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The policy details a list of banned foods in Abu Dhabi schools, whether provided by the school or brought from home. The updated guidance aims to reduce health risks, support healthy growth, and ensure consistent practices across meals provided by centres, food brought from home, and items shared during celebrations.
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Prohibited food, drinks in schools
Schools must clearly define and communicate the list of prohibited food and drink items to staff and parents. They must also put in place regular monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. As per the policy, institutions must prohibit at least the following categories:
Sugar-sweetened drinks
Fruit juices made from syrups
Soft drinks
Energy or sports drinks (except for isotonic sports drinks)
Caffeinated drinks
Hot or iced coffee
Hot or iced tea
Foods with added sugars
Candies, sweets, marshmallows, caramel, cotton candy, lollipops, jelly or jellies, and chewing gum
Chocolates (except dark chocolate)
Ice cream, slushies, and other processed frozen desserts
Flavoured or sweetened milk and yogurt
Foods excessively high in salt (sodium)
Fried foods, including fried chicken, chicken nuggets, falafel, and samosas
Fried or baked potato- and corn-based snacks, such as puffed corn balls, potato chips, and sticks
Processed meats, including hotdogs, deli meats, and sausages
Pickled vegetables
Ultra-processed foods
Foods containing artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colours, or flavours manufactured from chemicals
Foods with added monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Food containing the following food additives: Sunset yellow (E110), Quinoline yellow (E104), Carmoisine (E122), Allura red (E129), Tartrazine (E102), and Ponceau 4R (E 124)
Sauces such as mayonnaise, liquid or dried chilli sauces, ketchup (except low-salt and low-sugar options), and ready-made sauces including ranch, jalapeno, and Italian sauces, etc.
Other prohibited items
Pork-based products or foods containing pork derivatives
Foods with added alcohol (ethanol) or its by-products
Foods containing hydrogenated fats
Honey for infants under 12 months
Unpasteurised food or drinks
Soy milk and sauces containing soy or its derivatives
Nuts
Foods that may pose choking hazards
Monitoring and enforcement
According to Adek, EEIs should monitor that rules are being followed; an assigned staff member, such as a nurse or health and safety officer, must oversee regular checks to ensure prohibited items are not served or brought in from home. Institutions must have a system to record violations and outline corrective actions, particularly in cases of repeated non-compliance.
By formalising these restrictions and enforcement processes, early education providers aim to create safer, healthier environments that support children’s long-term wellbeing from the earliest years.
Dietary requirements of children
As per the policy, Early Education Institutions must follow clear rules about food and nutrition for children of all ages. For special events, any food provided must be clean, safe, of good quality, and in compliance with all health rules. Food should never be used to punish or reward children.
Babies under six months should only be given food or water if a paediatrician recommends it. Older infants can start having solid food and water only when a doctor says it’s appropriate.
For children aged two years and older, EEIs must follow the recommended nutrition guidelines for healthy growth. Children’s growth must be checked regularly by measuring their height and weight.
Bottle-feeding for infants
Staff must follow proper bottle‑feeding steps, support breastfeeding by providing suitable spaces and guidance, and always watch children carefully during meals.
EEIs should also provide utensils, furniture, and equipment that are the right size and design for each age group so children can eat safely and comfortably.
Failure to comply with this policy, the Early Education Institution (EEI) can face legal consequences and penalties as required by ADEK’s rules and regulations. This is in addition to any penalties under Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021 or any other applicable law.
Adek also has the authority to step in and take action if an EEI is found to be in breach of its responsibilities.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.
