The royal decree approved by the Government comes into force this Thursday, April 16, and applies to all public, subsidized, and private educational centers that teach second cycle of Early Childhood Education, Primary, Special Education, ESO, Baccalaureate, and basic or intermediate Vocational Training in Spain.
The standard develops and expands what is established in Law 17/2011 on food safety and nutrition, with the aim of guaranteeing a healthier, more balanced, and sustainable diet in the school environment.
What the children are going to eat in the school dining room
The decree establishes that menus must be based mainly on fresh, seasonal and local foods. Vegetables, legumes, cereals —preferably whole grain—, fruits, nuts and olive oil are prioritized.
Also, a moderate consumption of fish, eggs, dairy and meat is contemplated, with preference for poultry and rabbit. At least 45% of the fruits and vegetables offered must be seasonal.
Main changes in the school menu: fewer fried foods and more whole grains
The new regulation introduces concrete changes in the planning of school menus:
- Whole wheat bread at least twice a week
- Whole grain rice and pasta a minimum of four times a month
- Fried foods limited to once a week
- Pre-cooked dishes (pizzas, croquettes or turnovers), at most once a month
Furthermore, healthy culinary techniques such as oven, steam, boiled or grilled are prioritized, as opposed to fried and battered. Olive oil —virgin or extra virgin— is established as a reference for dressings, while for cooking, high oleic sunflower oil is also prioritized. The use of iodized salt is incorporated with a reduction in its quantity.
Frequency of fruit, legumes, fish and meat in the school dining room
The decree establishes a mandatory weekly distribution of food:
- First courses: vegetables (1-2 times), legumes (1-2), rice or pasta (1)
- Second courses: fish (1-3), eggs (1-2), meat (maximum 3)
Within meat consumption, red meat is limited to once a week and processed meat to twice a month at most. Also included are dishes based on vegetable protein between one and five times a week, being able to be exclusive in vegetarian menus.
In desserts, fresh fruit should be offered between four and five times per week, while other desserts —such as natural yogurt or fresh cheese without added sugar— are limited to once weekly.
Water will be the only drink in school canteens
The royal decree establishes that water will be the only drink served in school canteens. Furthermore, administrations must guarantee free access to drinking water through marked fountains in common and recreational areas, as well as pitchers of water on dining tables when possible.
What changes in cafeterias and vending machines of schools
The rule tightens the criteria for the sale of products in cafeterias and vending machines:
- Products exceeding 200 kilocalories per serving prohibited
- Strict limits on saturated fats, sugars, and salt
- Products with more than 15 mg of caffeine per 100 ml banned
Furthermore, vending machines will not be able to be located in areas accessible to Infant and Primary school students nor include advertising of food or drinks.
Special menus for allergies, intolerances or religious reasons
Educational centers must offer specific menus for students with allergies, intolerances or diseases that require a specific diet, always with medical accreditation.
Menus for ethical or religious reasons must also be considered. If the center cannot provide them, it must enable adequate systems to preserve and heat food provided by families.
Right of families to know school menus
The decree strengthens transparency by obliging centers to inform families monthly about the menus. This information must include dishes, cooking techniques, garnishes, sauces, and allergens, as well as the type of dessert.
The data must be available on boards, websites, or other accessible channels, both for regular and occasional users of the dining hall.
Who supervises the menus and controls compliance
The menus must be designed or supervised by professionals with accredited training in human nutrition and dietetics, ensuring their suitability for each age group.
The compliance with the standard will be monitored by the competent authorities within the National Official Control Plans of the Food Chain. Non-compliance may result in sanctions.
The price of the school canteen will not be able to rise
The royal decree expressly establishes that its application cannot imply an increase in the cost of the menu for families, thus shielding access to healthy food in the school environment without additional economic impact.