UAE Bans Junk Food in Schools, Including Items Brought from Home

Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has introduced a comprehensive ban on junk food in early education institutions, prohibiting not only unhealthy items sold in school canteens but also food brought from home.

According to directives issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, all early childhood education institutions in Abu Dhabi must implement a strict nutrition policy and actively involve parents in food-related decisions to ensure children maintain healthy eating habits.

The new guidelines aim to reduce health risks among children, promote balanced nutrition, and standardize food quality across schools. Institutions are required to monitor students’ meals and prevent the presence of banned items on campus.

Sugary beverages such as soft drinks, sweetened fruit juices, and energy drinks are strictly prohibited. Caffeinated beverages, including hot or iced coffee and tea, are also banned. High-sugar foods such as candies, sweets, marshmallows, caramel, lollipops, jelly, chocolate, ice cream, and processed frozen desserts are not allowed within school premises. Foods high in salt are similarly restricted.

Fried items including fried chicken, chicken nuggets, falafel, samosas, potato and corn chips, processed meats, and pickled vegetables have also been banned. Ultra-processed foods containing artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colors, flavor enhancers, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and certain additives such as Sunset Yellow (E110), Quinoline Yellow (E104), Carmoisine (E122), Allura Red (E129), Tartrazine (E102), and Ponceau 4R (E124) are prohibited.

Sauces such as mayonnaise, chili sauce (in sachets or powdered form), regular ketchup (except low-sugar and low-salt variants), ranch, green chili, and Italian dressings are also restricted. In addition, pork and pork-derived products, alcohol or alcohol-based foods, hydrogenated fats, honey for infants under one year, unpasteurized foods and beverages, and all soy-based products are banned.

The department has instructed schools to appoint a responsible staff member, such as a nurse or health and safety officer, to monitor compliance, record violations, and take corrective action in cases of repeated non-compliance.

Special attention will be given to children’s nutritional requirements, and food provided during special occasions must meet hygiene and quality standards. Infants under six months may only be given food or water based on a pediatrician’s recommendation, while children aged two years and above must follow established healthy dietary guidelines.

Institutions found violating the policy may face legal action and fines under the regulations of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.