The Dubai Municipality has intensified its monitoring of food served in schools across the emirate to protect students’ health in the new academic year.
The inspections encompass kindergartens, nurseries, and schools, with a dedicated team of food safety officers responsible for checking 456 institutions annually. Field visits are bolstered by daily monitoring through the “DM Checked” platform, which tracks canteen performance and reviews menus to ensure they comply with the city’s nutrition and food safety standards.
Officials stated that immediate action is taken in cases of non-compliance, including withdrawing products, banning their circulation, and requiring corrective measures from schools.
Canteens must adhere to the Smart Food Choices System, categorizing items into four groups—green, yellow, red, and black—to limit unhealthy foods and promote fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, water, and low-fat milk.
Beyond food inspections, the Municipality is conducting broader checks on facilities, including air-conditioning and ventilation systems, swimming pools, and water supply networks. Reports on water tank cleaning and sterilization are regularly reviewed, while school uniforms are also inspected for compliance with approved specifications.
Training workshops are being conducted for canteen staff and nutrition officers, while awareness sessions aim to encourage students to adopt healthy eating habits and reduce food waste.
