The Minister of Health, Mónica García, celebrated the approval this Tuesday in the Council of Ministers of the Royal Decree aimed at promoting healthier eating in hospitals, residential centers and infant schools for children aged zero to three, both public and private, as well as in libraries, universities and publicly owned museums, a measure that limits the consumption of ultra-processed products.
"Approved!", she emphasized on her official profile on the social network 'X', while noting that with the new regulation, "healthy menus will be mandatory in hospitals, care homes and schools, whether public or private". "We guarantee fresh, seasonal food from short distribution channels, with more fruits, vegetables, fish and legumes", she underscored.
The text, promoted by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda together with the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Education and Youth and Children, establishes a greater presence of nutritious and sustainable foods in these spaces. "We limit precooked meals, fried foods and sugars", García emphasized, on the other hand.
"Health begins in the most everyday things and protecting it through healthy eating is our duty", she stated in relation to the RD, which restricts foods with a high content of saturated fats, sugars or added salt and tightens the criteria in menus aimed at children and adolescents. In this way, the precooked dishes that may be offered in centers such as homes for the elderly or for dependent people or those with special needs, as well as in hospitals, are set at a maximum of three servings per month, while minors may only be served one monthly serving.
Likewise, the regulation includes the obligation that 70 percent of the products available in 'vending' machines be healthy foods and drinks, which must be placed in the area of greatest visibility. As for drinks, the presence of sugary and energy drinks will be reduced.