In many places in our country, the sale of candy it is prohibited in school canteens, as well as fried foods, soft drinks and stuffed cookies. This prohibition may not be very pleasing to students and even parents, but know that it does have its importance.
→ The example of the Federal District
In the Federal District (DF), for example, legislation determines that public and private school canteens cannot sell products such as candies, lollipops, chewing gum, cookies, chocolates, confectionery in general, soft drinks, chocolate drinks, fried foods and popcorn with artificial coloring. In DF, this prohibition also extends to businesses that are within a 50-meter range from the school.
Federal District legislation also determines that canteens must offer fruit and healthy food options. Natural or pulp juices, yogurts, smoothies, natural sandwiches without mayonnaise, fruit cakes, baked snacks, whole grain cookies and chocolate-free cereal bars are the permitted products and recommended.
It is observed, therefore, that the law aims to modify the students' diet, seeking to encourage the consumption of healthier products, at least during school hours. With this, it is expected that the eating habits of children and adolescents will be improved.
→ Is this law really necessary?
Unfortunately, what we see today in our country is a growing increase in obesity and, consequently, of diseases related to this problem, such as diabetes and vascular problems. It is estimated that one in three Brazilian children, aged between 5 and 9 years, is overweight.
Obesity, despite being related to genetic factors, is also linked to sedentary lifestyle and inadequate nutrition. As it is the State's duty to ensure the health of the population, and the school has health promotion as one of its roles, the creation of these laws is completely justified.
Despite suffering harsh criticism, laws that prohibit the sale of unhealthy food in canteens should be seen as a way to better educate our children about eating habits. healthy. These measures are essential to prevent them from becoming adults with serious illnesses that can even lead to death.
We must keep in mind that our young people are leading increasingly unhealthy lives, and that this will reflect into adulthood. So, what is the point of explaining to children that, in order to have a healthy diet, they must reduce their consumption of fried foods and sweets and offer them this type of food between classes?
By Ma. Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude-na-escola/a-polemica-proibicao-venda-doces-escolas.htm