Sweeping Food Policy Rolled Out Across Early Education Institutions
Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has introduced a comprehensive nutrition policy that bans a wide range of popular junk foods from school premises.
The Abu Dhabi schools’ junk food ban applies to food provided by schools as well as items brought from home. Early Education Institutions must clearly communicate prohibited items to parents and staff, implement monitoring systems, and record violations.
The updated guidance aims to reduce health risks, promote healthy growth, and standardize nutrition practices across all meals and celebrations.
Sugary Drinks and Caffeinated Beverages Prohibited
The policy strictly prohibits sugar-sweetened beverages, including:
- Fruit juices made from syrups
- Soft drinks
- Energy and sports drinks, except approved isotonic options
Caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea, whether hot or iced, are also banned.
The goal is to curb early exposure to high sugar and stimulant consumption among young children.
Fried Foods, Processed Meats, and Ultra-Processed Items Removed
The Abu Dhabi schools’ junk food ban also targets foods high in salt and fat. Prohibited items include:
- Fried chicken, nuggets, falafel, and samosas
- Potato chips, corn-based snacks, and puffed crisps
- Hot dogs, deli meat,s and sausages
- Pickled vegetables
Ultra-processed foods containing artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colors, flavors, or monosodium glutamate are not allowed. Specific additives such as E110, E104, E122, E129, E102 and E124 are banned.
Common sauces, including mayonnaise, ketchup, chili sauces, and ready-made dressings, are restricted unless they meet low-salt and low-sugar standards.
Additional Restrictions and Safety Measures
Other prohibited items include:
- Pork products or derivatives
- Foods containing alcohol or hydrogenated fats
- Unpasteurized food or drinks
- Soy milk and soy-based sauces
- Nuts
- Honey for infants under 12 months
- Foods posing choking hazards
Schools must assign a staff member, such as a nurse or health and safety officer, to oversee compliance. Institutions must document violations and implement corrective measures, particularly in cases of repeated non-compliance.
Failure to comply may result in legal penalties under ADEK regulations and Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021.
Age-Specific Nutrition and Feeding Guidelines
The policy introduces detailed, age-specific rules to strengthen early childhood nutrition.
For instance, caregivers must not give infants under six months any food or water unless a pediatrician advises otherwise. As infants grow older, they may begin eating solid foods, but only with medical approval.
Meanwhile, schools must follow approved nutritional standards for children aged two years and above. They must also regularly monitor students’ height and weight to track growth and development actively.
In addition, institutions cannot use food as a reward or punishment. Instead, they must provide age-appropriate utensils, furniture, and equipment to create safe eating environments. Schools must also enforce proper bottle-feeding protocols and actively support breastfeeding.
A Long-Term Shift in School Nutrition
Overall, the junk food ban across Abu Dhabi schools signals a broader shift toward preventive health within the education system. By formalizing restrictions and strengthening enforcement, authorities aim to build healthier school environments and address early childhood nutrition at its foundation.
At the same time, the policy places responsibility not only on institutions but also on families, reinforcing a coordinated, long-term approach to child health and wellbeing.
