QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) — The Department of Education is banning the sale of softdrinks and candies in school canteens all over the Philippines.
In a memorandum, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the selling of food with high-saturated fat, sugar and salt content is banned.
The DepEd also said that schools and personnel who will not follow the memorandum will be held liable.
The DepEd issued the following guidelines on food safety in canteens in DepED Order No. 8, s. 2007:
- “Only nutrient-rich foods such as root crops, noodles, rice and corn products in native preparation, fruits and vegetables in season, and fortified food products labeled rich in protein, energy, vitamins and minerals shall be sold in the school canteen. Beverages shall include milk, shakes and juices prepared from fruits and vegetables in season.
- The sale of carbonated drinks, sugar-based synthetic or artificially flavored juices, junk foods and any food product that may be detrimental to the child’s health and that do not bear the Sangkap Pinoy seal and/or did not pass Bureau of Food and Drug Administration approval is prohibited.
- Iodized salt shall be used, in controlled quantity, in the preparation of cooked foods to ensure that the iodine requirement of the clientele shall be met and to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders. The use of monosodium glutamate (vetsin) shall be regulated.
- Vendors shall not be allowed to bring in food items inside the school canteen/premises. Teachers and school personnel are likewise prohibited from selling food items within the school premises, except through the school canteen and unless authorized and covered by a written agreement with the school head/principal and/or the teachers’ cooperative.
Food safety standards shall be strictly enforced and adhered to at all times in the schools.
There should thus always be:
(a) Availability of potable drinking water and hand washing facilities;
(b) Well-maintained, clean, well-ventilated and pest-free environment;
(c) Availability of food covers and containers for safekeeping;
(d) Hygienic practices on food preparation, cooking display, serving and storage
Eagle News Service
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