Parents take note as Abu Dhabi schools ban sugary drinks, processed snacks and more from lunchboxes under new guidelines
With kids back at school, consider this your reminder of what can and cannot go into those lunchboxes. The Department of Education and Knowledge rolled out updated healthy eating guidelines for early education institutions. Schools and nurseries in Abu Dhabi have been told to tighten up what children eat, whether it comes from home, the canteen or even a birthday celebration.
Under the new policy, sugary drinks, heavily processed snacks and anything loaded with additives are out. The rules apply across the day, from packed lunches to shared treats. Schools must clearly communicate what is not allowed and keep a close eye on compliance. Staff, including nurses or health and safety officers, will carry out regular checks, and repeat rule-breakers could face consequences.
Parents are also part of the picture. Schools have been asked to involve them in shaping better eating habits early on, which feels long overdue.
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There are also strict guidelines around how food is used. It cannot be a reward or punishment. For younger children, the rules go even further. Babies under six months should only be fed based on medical advice, while older infants can only start solids when a doctor says so. Growth checks and proper feeding practices are now part of daily care.
It is a firm shift towards building healthy routines from the start. And yes, it means a few lunchbox favourites are officially off the menu.
Here’s what’s banned in Abu Dhabi schools:
Sugar-sweetened drinks
Fruit juices made from syrups
Soft drinks
Energy or sports drinks (except isotonic sports drinks)
Caffeinated drinks
Hot or iced coffee
Hot or iced tea
Foods with added sugars
Candies, sweets, marshmallows, caramel, cotton candy, lollipops, jelly, chewing gum
Chocolates (except dark chocolate)
Ice cream, slushies and processed frozen desserts
Flavoured or sweetened milk and yoghurt
Foods high in salt (sodium)
Fried foods including fried chicken, nuggets, falafel and samosas
Potato and corn snacks like chips, sticks and puffed corn
Processed meats such as hotdogs, deli meats and sausages
Pickled vegetables
Ultra-processed foods and additives
Foods with artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colours or flavours, foods containing MSG
Foods with additives including E110, E104, E122, E129, E102 and E124
Sauces like mayonnaise, chilli sauce, ketchup (except low-salt, low-sugar), ranch and ready-made dressings
Other prohibited items
Pork products or derivatives
Foods with alcohol or by-products
Hydrogenated fats
Honey for infants under 12 months
Unpasteurised food or drinks
Soy milk and soy-based sauces
Nuts
Foods that pose choking hazards
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