Potato chips, chocolate banned in UAE schools

Parents urged to comply with new guidelines issued by education ministry

United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Education has banned nine food categories, including potato chips and chocolate, from being sold at school canteens across the Emirates.

The food categories have been identified as having detrimental health effects on students, reported Khaleej Times.

The list, which was distributed to schools across the Arab nation on Tuesday, comprises the following items:

1. Hot dogs and processed meats


2. Indomie instant noodles


3. Chocolate bars, both with and without nuts


4. Chocolate spreads


5. Sweets, lollipops and jelly


6. All peanut products, to avoid allergic reactions


7. All potato chips and corn chips


8. Carbonated drinks, including energy drinks, flavoured water, juice and iced teas


9. All cream cakes and doughnuts for their high fat and sugar content and artificial colours

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The new guidelines have been issued in line with global health standards, helping schools adjust students' dietary and nutritional needs.

The ministry asked parents to refrain from sending the banned food items to school and adhere to the new food guidelines.

Sale and consumption of carbonated drinks, energy drinks and coloured snacks is also prohibited in schools of Sindh and Punjab.