DUBAI — Parents of an international school in Dubai have accused the school’s canteen of serving ‘junk food’ and plan to approach health authorities in the emirate to express their concerns.
Some parents whose wards study in the school, located in Umm Suqueim say they disapprove of the pizzas, burgers and nachos available in the canteen as they believe it would affect children’s health. More than 10 parents of students from different classes say they will approach the authorities concerned if the school canteen fails to remove these items from its menu.
“The canteen serves junk food which is bad for children’s health. My children spend five days in a week at school and if they eat this food everyday, it is bound to take a toll on their health,” said a parent.
She added, “Even though I pack lunch for them every morning, they end up eating the canteen food because they are tempted when they see other kids eating. A few parents and I, who share similar concerns, plan to approach health authorities to report the matter if the school doesn’t take action in this regard.”
Another mother said, “A school is where a child spends most of his or her time and it is the onus of the school to ensure holistic development of its students. Diet and health are important aspects of education imparted by an educational institute.”
Parents claim they had contacted the school authorities over the phone, who said pizzas, burgers and nachos were not junk and kids liked eating this food. “We’ll approach them again and talk to them. If they still refuse to share our concerns, we would then go to the local authorities,” said a parent.
Regulations governing school health in the emirate stipulate that eatables affecting the health of children are not permitted in schools. Foods containing cheese, fizzy drinks, chocolates, chips and biscuits are not allowed, according to Dubai Health Authority, which overlooks health of children in private school.
An administrator from the school, RM said, “The school is currently serving a wide range of hot dishes at lunch time everyday. Parallel to this, a selection from different kinds of salads and fruits are available to students. This is in line with offering a balanced and healthy menu to our students.”
RM added: ‘To increase variety of choice, nachos, pizzas, burgers and French fries are also served at another counter. As far as the school is aware, there has been no law banning serving of such items in schools. If such a law is there, the school has no problem in implementing it the same way as before, which is banning chocolates, chips and fizzy drinks,” he added.
Parents of other international schools allege there are many others who also stock packets of chips in their canteens, despite clear regulations set by the UAE authorities.
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) stipulates that eatables affecting the health of children like foods containing cheese, fizzy drinks, chocolates, chips and biscuits are not permitted in school canteens. However, French fries are not included in the banned category, said Dr Fatima Al Attar, Head of the Community Programme Section at DHA.
“This September, we’ll issue an updated version of a school guidelines booklet as the rules have been revised in coordination with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA),” Dr Attar, who is responsible for private schools in the emirate, added.
Parents can lodge complaints with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), by fax, e-mail or in person, in case they are not satisfied with the quality of food served in school canteens.
By Preeti Kannan and Asma Ali Zain (Our staff reporters)