New regulations will require all schools in Spain to include fruit and vegetables in their lunch offerings, as well as fish at least once a week, in an effort to decrease the prevalence of fried and fatty foods provided to children.
Recognized by the government as an essential component in the battle against childhood obesity, the regulations introduced by royal decree this week will also require schools to provide vegetarian and vegan meal options.
Despite Spain’s reputation for its Mediterranean diet, a 2019 study revealed that over 40% of Spanish children aged six to nine were above the recommended weight, with 17.3% categorized as obese.
A 2023 study conducted by the national food agency revealed that 37% of schools provided only two or fewer servings of fresh vegetables each week, with many exceeding the recommended limit of two servings of fried food.
The ministry of consumer affairs reported that 1,200 schools did not serve fish.
Pablo Bustinduy, the minister for consumer and social affairs, stated that the new law mandates that a minimum of 45% of the fruits and vegetables provided must be seasonal and, preferably, sourced locally, with 5% being certified organic.
Schools will be prohibited from serving beverages that contain over 5% sugar content. Restrictions have also been established for the percentages of caffeine, fats, and salt.
Research conducted by the government indicates that 70% of beverages available in school vending machines surpass the advised thresholds for sugar and caffeine content.
Pizzas and pies not made in the school kitchen may only be served once a month, and any fried foods should be prepared using olive or sunflower oil.
In 2023, Spain recorded the sixth-highest obesity rate in the EU, with 20.3% of adults and 15.9% of children affected, marking a 4% decline since 2019.
Social class plays a significant role. In households earning less than €18,000 (£15,400) annually, 46.7% of children are classified as overweight, whereas the figure is 29.2% for families with incomes exceeding €30,000.
Bustinduy stated that the law, applicable to all public and private primary and secondary schools, aims to diminish inequality. He stated that from this point forward, “every day all children and adolescents will have access to healthy and nutritious food, regardless of their family’s income.”
