ADEK reveals list of prohibited drinks and food items in Abu Dhabi educational institutions

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has confirmed that early childhood education establishments are prohibited from using food as a disciplinary or reward measure, and must include this in their food and nutrition policy.

ADEK has clarified that they must ensure that the food and drinks provided do not negatively impact the health, safety or development of children, whether they are part of the food service, brought from home or consumed during special occasions and celebrations.

Therefore, the educational establishments must compile a list of prohibited foods and drinks comprising 13 categories.

This includes sugar-sweetened beverages and soft drinks of all kinds, as well as energy and sports drinks (with the exception of isotonic sports drinks).

This also includes caffeinated beverages such as hot or iced coffee and tea, and foods containing added sugar, including all types of sweets made from sugar and colourings, such as marshmallows, caramel (toffee), cotton candy, lollipops, small lollipops made from powdered syrup (sugar tablets), jelly, all types of chewing gum, chocolate (except dark chocolate), ice cream, slushies and other processed frozen foods.

It also includes flavoured or sweetened milk/yogurt containing an excessive amount of salt (sodium), as well as all types of fried foods (e.g. fried chicken, fried falafel and fried samosas), fried and baked chips made from potatoes and corn (e.g. puffed corn balls and chips), processed meats (e.g. mortadella, sausages and hot dogs) and pickles.

The list of prohibited drinks and foods also includes ultra-processed foods containing artificial sweeteners, artificial colours or flavours made from chemicals, and foods to which monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been added. It also includes foods containing the following food additives:

• Sunset yellow (E110)

• Quinoline yellow (E104)

• Carmoisine (E122)

• Allura red (E129)

• Tartrazine (E102)

• Ponceau 4R (E124)

Sauces include mayonnaise, liquid and dried chilli, ketchup (with just a little salt and sugar added), and shop-bought sauces such as ranch, jalapeño and Italian.

Prohibited foods

Prohibited foods include those containing pork derivatives or added alcohol (ethanol) or one of its products; those containing hydrogenated fats; honey for infants under 12 months old; unpasteurised foods and beverages; soy milk; sauces containing soy and its derivatives; nuts; and foods that may pose a choking hazard.

The ADEK clarified that the educational establishments must clearly inform parents and staff of the list of prohibited foods and beverages.

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear framework for food and nutrition in early childhood education institutions and to encourage parental involvement in decision-making processes related to their children's nutrition.

The ADEK emphasised the institutions' commitment to implementing daily monitoring procedures for food and beverages served. It also affirmed its commitment to providing children with clean drinking water free of charge and at all times.