THE Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Baguio has ordered school canteens to sell only healthy food.
DepEd Baguio Superintendent Agustin Laban said school canteens are given enough time during the summer break to prepare healthy food options in the next academic school year.
Laban said there are a lot of fruits and vegetables that the canteens can sell, taking junk food out of the menu for all food centers in schools.
DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones called to promote a healthy diet and positive eating behavior in public schools and DepEd offices nationwide.
Laban said the order should be strictly followed to ensure the promotion of good health for students.
The order details the food categories; green, yellow and red.
Under green category, the school shall provide fruits and vegetables where these are highly recommended to canteens. Examples of these are boiled camote, boiled banana, boiled peanut and others fresh fruits and vegetables. These may also be sold every day.
The yellow category includ foods that should be regulated, such as those with sugar, fat and salt content. Examples are bananaque and camoteque, hot dogs and potato fries. These may be sold at least three times a week.
Under red category are food that are not recommended for sale because of their unhealthy components. Examples are junk food, soda drinks, energy drinks, coffee with caffeine, and colored food that are not natural.
Laban said the school principal have the power to regulate their respective canteens. He mandated principals to monitor compliance of canteens.
“Kung hindi susunod ang mga canteen ay nasa direct supervision ng mga principal na pwedeng ipasara ang mga canteens (If the canteen will not follow, the school principal can order its closure),” Laban said.