Sugary drinks, fried foods, processed snacks, and other items are now prohibited in Abu Dhabi schools
Abu Dhabi’s education authorities are tightening rules around what children can eat at school, aiming to support healthier growth and reduce health risks from a young age.
The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has released updated guidance detailing foods and drinks that are prohibited on school premises, whether served by the school or brought from home.
Early Education Institutions (EEIs) across the emirate must now follow a comprehensive food and nutrition policy, with staff ensuring that all prohibited items are removed from meals, snacks, and celebrations.
Schools are expected to clearly communicate the list to both staff and parents, and designate a staff member, such as a health officer or nurse, to regularly monitor compliance.
The prohibited items cover several categories, including:
- Sugary drinks and sweetened beverages: soft drinks, syrups, energy drinks, fruit juices with added sugar, and sweetened milk or yoghurt.
- Foods high in sugar: candies, marshmallows, chocolate (except dark), ice cream, slushies, and processed desserts.
- High-salt and fried foods: fried chicken, nuggets, samosas, potato chips, puffed corn snacks, and processed meats like sausages and hot dogs.
- Ultra-processed or additive-laden foods: items containing preservatives, artificial colours or flavours, MSG, and certain sauces like regular ketchup or ready-made condiments.
- Other items: pork products, honey for infants under 12 months, unpasteurised foods, soy derivatives, nuts, and foods that may pose a choking risk.
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ADEK’s guidelines also emphasise age-appropriate nutrition. Infants under six months should only receive food or water if recommended by a paediatrician, while older infants and toddlers should follow recommended guidelines for healthy growth.
Schools must regularly monitor children’s height and weight, ensure safe bottle-feeding, and provide age-appropriate utensils and furniture.
Non-compliance can result in legal penalties under ADEK regulations and federal law, with the authority empowered to intervene if schools fail to meet the standards.
The updated rules are part of a wider effort to create safe, healthy, and consistent school environments that nurture children’s wellbeing from the earliest years.
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