Dubai: The first school canteen survey carried out by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) reveals children mainly live on convenience food, highlighting a need for change.
The survey will provide the base for a nutritional guideline to be developed by the DHA said its director of Public Health and Safety Department, Health Policy and Strategy Sector, Dr Ali Al Marzooqi.
“Nutrition across schools in Dubai is a crucial issue to ensure students follow a healthy eating pattern and do not get hooked on to fast foods which provide empty calories and are a leading cause of child obesity globally.”
The DHA monitored pupils’ eating habits from April to June at 134 private and 82 public schools. Over half were Emirati, followed by 24 per cent Asian and the remaining 9 per cent Arabs and Westerners.
The survey found that only 22 per cent of schools prepare food on-site, opting for ready made food delivery instead. The sandwich rules, followed by bread and cereals.
Fresh options, like fruits and salads feature only three times a week on 54 per cent of schools’ menus and fares badly when compared to fast food – which is a daily feature on 30 per cent of school menus.
Fresh milk features low at 21 per cent, processed fruit juices higher at 63 per cent but there are concerns about the one percent of energy drinks available to children.
Only 60 per cent of schools have a canteen policy with less than half following a nutritional guideline. The DHA encourages all stakeholders, including schools, medical professionals and parents to come together to promote healthy eating habits.
