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A decisive break between school canteens and processed foods is now underway in Greece, as a new, strict public health regulation aims to radically reshape what students eat during the school day.
With childhood obesity and the promotion of healthier eating habits at the center of the policy, the Ministry of Health has placed school nutrition under close scrutiny. The decision, signed by Deputy Health Minister Eirini Agapidaki, clearly defines which products are permitted in school canteens and which are permanently banned.
What will be allowed in school canteens
School canteens will be allowed to sell fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits with no added sugar, and fruit salads or fruit compotes preserved in natural juice. Dairy products will also be permitted, including fresh milk, kefir, ayran (a traditional yogurt-based drink), yogurt, rice pudding, and cream desserts, provided they contain no added sugar and meet specific fat content limits.
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For baked goods and snacks, whole-grain products will be allowed, such as traditional bread rings (koulouri), rusks, cereal bars, raisin bread, and molasses cookies. In addition, sesame bars (pasteli), halva, and sugar-free plant-based desserts will be permitted, while nuts will only be allowed in middle schools and high schools.
For sandwiches, toast, and salads, only whole-grain bread, fresh vegetables, Greek cheeses, boiled chicken or turkey, tuna, and eggs may be used. Allowed fats are limited to olive oil, olive paste, or soft margarine. Salads may also include grains and legumes.
Pies and pizzas will be allowed only if they contain no processed meats, and their dough must be made exclusively with olive oil or other plant-based oils.
Approved beverages include bottled water, natural juices with no added sugar, plant-based drinks, and herbal infusions (the latter only in secondary education). Coffee is permitted exclusively for school staff.
What is strictly prohibited
Under the new regulation, the sale of processed meat products is strictly banned, including ham, bacon, pariza (a type of processed meat similar to bologna), mortadella, and sausages. Prepared meat-based foods such as gyros, schnitzel, burgers, and kebabs are also prohibited.
Also banned are pizzas and pies containing processed meats, processed cheeses, chips, cheese puffs, chocolate, ice cream, candy, and energy drinks. Additional prohibited items include cakes, traditional Greek sweet breads (tsoureki), croissants, soft drinks, and condiments or spreads such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and chocolate spreads.
Special restrictions for primary schools
To prevent choking incidents, elementary schools and kindergartens are not allowed to sell small round fruits such as grapes and cherries, as well as nuts, which remain permitted only in secondary education.
The new health regulation aims to create a healthier and safer nutritional environment for students across all levels of education, reinforcing the importance of proper diet within the school setting.
