Spain is set to introduce a new law banning the sale of sugary drinks, energy drinks, and industrially processed baked goods in schools. This measure aims to combat childhood obesity, which affects over 36% of Spanish children, particularly in low-income families.

Strict Limits on Sugar, Fat, and Salt

Currently, nearly three-quarters of vending machines and school cafeterias do not meet nutritional standards. The new rules will require food sold in schools to have no more than 5 grams of sugar per portion, with strict limits on fat and salt content. Energy drinks, which health experts advise children never to consume, will also be prohibited.

Additionally, vending machines will no longer be allowed to advertise unhealthy products and must be placed in areas that young children cannot easily access. The law will also regulate school meals by limiting the number of fried foods, allowing only certain types of healthy oils, and increasing the amount of fruit, vegetables, and whole foods in students’ diets.

Government Research and Expert Guidelines

The regulation follows recommendations from international health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). A recent government study found that only 32% of Spanish secondary schools comply with healthy food regulations, but this is down from 57% in 2021. The study, based on inspections of over 5,000 schools across 14 regions, showed that many school cafeterias serve excessive amounts of fried food and too few vegetables.

Specific Nutritional Limits for School Food

If approved, the law will require packaged food items to contain no more than 200 calories per portion. The fat content must not exceed 35% of total calories, meaning a portion cannot have more than 7.8 grams of fat. Saturated fats and added sugars will be limited to 10% of total calories, capping sugar at 5 grams per portion. Salt intake will also be restricted to 0.5 grams per portion to align with international health guidelines.

Long-Term Efforts to Reduce Childhood Obesity

The Spanish government conducts a biannual study, known as the Aladino study, to track childhood obesity rates among children aged 6 to 9. Although the obesity rate has declined slightly from 40% in 2011 to 36% in 2023, it remains a significant public health issue. The new school food regulations aim to reduce these numbers further by encouraging healthier eating habits from an early age.

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