Greece updates school cafeteria rules for healthier options
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The Greek National Nutrition Committee and the Panhellenic Federation of Canteen Operators collaborated to revise rules for food portions and products sold in school canteens.
The changes aim to make healthier choices easier for students while remaining practical for school life. They adopted seven proposals from the Federation, adjusting permitted weights and types of items. Specifically, the updated rules recommend whole wheat sesame, multi-grain, and pretzel breads, limiting their weight to 80 grams.
Popcorn is now allowed in secondary schools with a 40-gram serving size, provided it meets specific nutritional limits, no added sugars, a maximum of 17 grams of total fat per 100 grams, and limits on sodium and saturated fat. The regulations also clarify permitted bread types, including white, whole wheat, and pita bread, again recommending whole wheat options with an 80-gram maximum.
Cheese pies, vegetable pies, and cheese twists are limited to 100 grams due to their caloric content, as part of efforts to combat childhood obesity. Pizza without processed meats is permitted at a maximum weight of 100 grams. Sandwiches and toast may include roasted or boiled chicken and turkey, but not processed meats. Finally, canteens can now serve milk-based drinks made with fresh fruit, but pre-packaged versions and powdered mixes are prohibited.
Deputy Minister of Health Irini Agapidaki stated the decisions prioritize children’s health and support healthy development.
