Warning against sale of stale food

A senior official at Ras Al Khaimah Municipality has warned against the sale of stale sandwiches in schools' canteens.

He said they are made 10 to 12 hours before and are served to the students. Canteens in some schools do not meet safety and hygiene standards and this could affect students' health. He added that this problem exists in schools in the UAE.

The official stressed that meals served in the schools are not hygienic. There is a list of banned foodstuff, and schools should adhere to it.

He stressed breakfast is the most important meal. "Unless, the quality improves, students will continue to suffer. Most children do not eat breakfast at home because they prefer to eat with their friends."

Canteens, the official pointed out, only want to make profits, and hence do not pay much heed to health and hygiene.

Canteens supply chips and soft drinks, which are cheap to buy wholesale, and make a big profit.

"The children need fresh fruits and vegetables, but these are not sold in canteens. These items are necessary for good health."

The official said there have been a number of cases of children falling ill because of poor food.

"Who will be held responsible if a case becomes serious? Which department will tackle the problem? The issue has to be addressed immediately because we are playing with the lives of our children."

He stressed that most workers who make the food do not undergo medical tests. They do not hold health cards required by the law.

The official said the Ministry of Education and Youth should take the responsibility and get reputed companies to take charge of canteens. These companies can invest more money and provide better services.

The companies should provide a list of prices of all items sold to the students and one body should monitor their performance.

Schools make money through the canteens, but students' health should not be jeopardised. He stressed that education zones should also monitor the matter because many schools misuse money generated from the canteens.