The Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, has officially approved comprehensive school canteen regulations developed by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) and endorsed by the Fatwa and Legislation Department. The newly approved guidelines are expected to come into effect once published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that these regulations are part of Kuwait’s national strategy to combat unhealthy eating habits among students and improve the overall nutritional value of food served in educational institutions.

Comprehensive Framework for School Cafeterias

The updated regulations apply to all public and private schools in Kuwait and serve as a detailed framework governing school canteen operations. The rules are designed to ensure that the food provided to students is safe, nutritious, and compliant with Gulf standard specifications.

• Facility Standards: Specifications for kitchen infrastructure, hygiene practices, and food storage.
• Staff Qualifications: Requirements for training and health certification of cafeteria workers.
• Food Standards: Ban on harmful ingredients such as trans fats, excessive sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
• Inspection & Licensing: Introduction of a licensing system along with regular inspections for compliance.

Three Categories of School Canteens

1. Packaged Food Canteens – Sell only pre-packaged, approved food items.
2. Ready-to-Eat Meal Providers – Offer freshly prepared meals without full kitchen facilities.
3. Full-Service Kitchens – Prepare hot meals on-site with dedicated kitchen setups.

Guidelines for Nutritious Meal Planning

The regulations include detailed guidance on meal planning, including:

• Designing meals based on the five basic food groups.
• Customizing caloric intake for different age groups and educational levels.
• Strictly banning foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium, especially for breakfast and lunch offerings in private schools.

This aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to reduce childhood obesity and chronic diseases.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The regulations also establish clear penalties for violations, with fines ranging from KD 500 to KD 3,000. Repeat offenses may result in the temporary or permanent closure of the school canteen.

National Health Strategy and Related Developments

This move is part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing public health and nutrition in Kuwait. It follows other initiatives such as the Ministry of Health’s support for emergency medical response modernization and the Food and Nutrition Authority’s market inspections for safety and quality.