School canteens must serve healthy food: Sharjah Education Council

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School canteens must serve healthy food: Sharjah Education Council
The Students of Dubai American Academy enjoy the food during the lunch break at the Dubai American academy at Al Barsha on 06th June 2011.-FILE PHOTO

Sharjah - If students' health is affected after consuming food from canteens, hefty fines would be imposed and the errant canteens may even be ordered shut, a senior official said.

by

Afkar Ali Ahmed

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Published: Tue 15 Sep 2015, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Tue 15 Sep 2015, 10:00 AM

The Sharjah Education Council has warned canteens operating in the emirate's schools against violating food safety rules.
If students' health is affected after consuming food from canteens, hefty fines would be imposed and the errant canteens may even be ordered shut, a senior official said.
Aisha Saif, a trustee of the Sharjah Education Council and head of the committee that supervises school canteens, said food consumed in school canteens should contribute to students' nutrients intake. "It should also improve students' eating habits.
"It is important that parents, teachers and students work together to support a school culture in which students can choose nutritious and healthy foods," she said.
She was speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of a meeting between the council and the schools canteen committee.
Aisha pointed out that the 'healthy food for students' initiative launched by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in the academic year 2011-2012 has contributed in implementing health and hygiene rules.
She stressed that food suppliers must follow food safety rules while transporting food to canteens. She urged them to provide "100 per cent healthy food" for students. They were also told to display the prices of products clearly.
Aisha Al Sairi, head of school canteens department at the Ministry of Education, said parents and schools can register complaints against food suppliers with the Sharjah Education Council. "Our department will not tolerate any malpractices or violations that could affect the health of students, and will take necessary action based on the rules."
Al Sairi added that workers selling food at canteens will be trained on the proper way of handling food.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com


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