Healthier, More Nutritious Meals Coming to Czech School Canteens

School canteens across the Czech Republic are set for significant changes aimed at improving the quality of food served to students.

With growing concern over unhealthy eating habits among children, the Ministry of Education is preparing to update regulations that will ensure more nutritious meals are provided in schools.

Recent inspections by the State Health Institute (SZÚ) have highlighted alarming issues in school meal programs. Some canteens were found to include sweetened teas and juices as part of children’s daily fruit intake, while others served portions of meat containing bones, reducing the actual edible quantity.

Rising Childhood Obesity

Up to 25% of Czech teenagers are now considered overweight, a statistic that reflects broader lifestyle problems. Many school canteens are failing to meet the necessary nutritional standards.

“We observed insufficient energy value, low levels of beneficial fats, excessive salt, and issues related to the serving of sweetened beverages,” said Barbora Macková, the chief hygienist and head of the SZÚ, in an interview with Novinky.

Perhaps the most shocking finding was the practice of considering sweetened juices and teas as a portion of fruit. According to experts, a single glass of these drinks is equivalent to about seven pieces of candy in terms of sugar content. Additionally, the frequent use of pre-packaged soups containing high levels of salt is another issue that needs addressing.

Healthier Menus on the Way

In response, the Ministry is set to introduce a revised decree. One of the key changes is the requirement that fish be served weekly—a shift from the current bi-weekly schedule. The new rules also call for an increased presence of legumes, as well as a greater emphasis on fruits and vegetables in meals.

The balance between vegetable and animal fats will be adjusted, with a ratio of 1:2 in favor of healthier vegetable fats. Unhealthy fats like palm and coconut oil will be banned entirely. The new beverage regulations prohibit sweeteners such as sugar, honey, syrup, and concentrated fruit juices.

Canteens will be required to serve more substantial and nutritious portions, with special provisions for students with dietary restrictions, such as those with celiac disease.

These new guidelines are set to take effect from the beginning of the next school year.

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