Published: 7 April, 2008, 13:25
Edited: 7 April, 2008, 13:25
Russian schoolchildren who pig out on junk food are in for a shock. The government is planning to ban it from schools across the country. Russia's Ministry of Education and Science is launching a project aimed at bringing nutrition back into education. Th
The anti-junk food campaign has been running for several years, prompted by fears of growing obesity and failing health among children. But it's hard for schools to turn away large corporations from getting their snacks into canteens because of the money they bring in.
However, health officials are concerned at statistics which link poor nutrition to health problems such as poor eye sight, ulcers and stomach illnesses. Ten per cent of all school children show signs of weak bones because of a lack of calcium, according to the Russian Consumer Protection Agency.
As part of the federal initiative, schools in 14 regions will get recommendations for their lunch menu. This means about 700,000 school children will be provided with healthy food.
The meals are designed to compete with burgers and fries – both in taste and nutrition. The agency also thinks the menu will prove to be less expensive for the schools.