Amman: Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) said safety of school food is a "shared responsibility" to guarantee students have access to safe and healthy choices, coinciding with the approaching start of the academic year.
According to Jordan News Agency, the JFDA urged school canteen operators to implement the highest food safety standards and health requirements for handling food products in a press statement issued on Saturday. The JFDA emphasized that the initiative aims to "solely" sell permitted food items that meet approved specifications and guidelines.
The JFDA also highlighted the importance of using reliable and licensed suppliers for food items in school canteens. They stressed the necessity for adherence to health requirements for handling, preserving, and storing food. In line with this, the JFDA announced a ban on preparing or selling products containing both processed and unprocessed meat and its derivatives, such as shawarma, burgers, sausages, mortadella, and others. Additionally, the sale of energy drinks in school canteens has been prohibited.
The JFDA also addressed the preparation of home-made meals, urging parents to ensure their children's school meals have appropriate components. They advised avoiding meat, eggs, or dairy products that require refrigeration and encouraged students to choose healthy options.
For any comments, inquiries, or grievances, the JFDA has made available its official complaints platform via WhatsApp at 0795632000 or through the toll-free complaints hotline at 117114.