Junk Food Trashed in School Lunch Rooms

When public schools began classes last week, some kids may have been surprised that they weren't able to buy some of their favorites at school snack shops, called "sodas".  The Education and Public Health Ministries banned soda pop, cookies, candy and fried foods at schools in a decree published in January.  According to a study done by the Pan-American Health Organization, 20% of Costa Rican kids are overweight or obese.  ( 2008-2009 Study can be downloaded here)

In addition, the decree regulates the way that foods are cooked, which must be with reduced fat and sugar.  No gaseous drinks are allowed, even zero or low calorie drinks.  Sandwich meats must be light also, and products with trans fats are prohibited. Yogurt and dairy products are limited to 2 grams of saturated fat per 100 milliliter portion, and must have less than 300 milligrams of sodium and less than 60 calories.

French Fries, fried plantains and fried pastries are out, as well as any food cooked with fat, butter or oils with trans fat.  School snack bars must limit the quantity of sauces and mayonnaise also.  According to Education MInister Leonardo Garnier, the school snack bars must be considered a part of the educational experience, so the decree doesn't infringe upon the commercial rights of those renting the spaces.

"All of the scientific studies show that nutrition is a huge factor in children's health, this measure helps to introduce healthy nutritional habits and creates an environment that promotes those habits", Garnier stated.  The Costa Rican Chamber of Food Industry did not agree however, according to executive Director Mario Montero, "this decree is technically wrong, it is a subjective judgement based on someone's opinions.  You can never prohibit food stuffs and influence a person's weight. Studies show that the food eaten in obese kids and healthy kids is the same, the difference is in physical activity and the portion size. Kids should be educated as to what is a balanced and healthy diet, but particular juices or cookies for example, shouldn't be labeled as good or bad".

Most of these restrictions went into effect this year, but in some cases the operators have a 3 year time frame to implement healthier cooking methods.