FG objavljuje pravila o zdravoj hrani za škole, bolnice

The Federal Government has announced new national guidelines aimed at banning the procurement and sale of unhealthy foods in public institutions such as schools, hospitals, correctional centres, NYSC camps, and others. These measures are intended to address the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The policy, developed by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), mandates stricter nutrition standards for all food items procured using public funds. Under the new National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services, government institutions will no longer be allowed to purchase or serve sugary drinks, processed meats, deep-fried snacks, and other unhealthy options. Banned items include sugar-sweetened beverages, sausages, canned meats, instant noodles, ultra-processed snacks, doughnuts, cakes, packaged biscuits, and foods containing industrial trans fats or excessive sodium and sugar. Instead, institutions will be required to prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, legumes, fortified foods, and locally sourced produce. Meals must also adhere to strict nutritional and food safety standards. Dr. Kingsley Akinroye, Executive Director of the Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF), welcomed the initiative as a major breakthrough. He emphasized that unhealthy diets have long been a primary driver of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Until recently, Nigeria lacked a comprehensive national framework for promoting healthy public food procurement. Akinroye called the policy a transformative step toward improving the country's food environment and aligning food services with scientifically backed nutrition standards. The guidelines apply to all public institutions that use government funds for food purchases. This includes schools, hospitals, orphanages, correctional centres, internally displaced persons' camps, military formations, government offices, and other similar entities. Key provisions include a complete ban on sugar-sweetened beverages and non-sugar sweetened drinks, restrictions on processed meats like sausages and canned meat, and limits on deep-fried snacks such as doughnuts and samosas. Institutions must provide at least two servings of fruits and vegetables daily, replace refined grains with whole grains, and reduce salt and sugar content in foods. They are also required to source healthier vegetable oils instead of partially hydrogenated oils and animal fats, and ensure food preparation minimizes unhealthy fats. Additionally, the policy mandates that at least 30% of institutional food procurement budgets be allocated to purchasing goods from local farmers and community suppliers. This measure aims to bolster local agriculture and enhance food security. Routine monitoring of sodium, sugar, and saturated fat levels in food served in public institutions will be enforced. Compliance audits, inspections, and penalties will be implemented against institutions and suppliers that fail to meet the set standards. The guidelines reflect a broader effort to combat the growing health challenges posed by poor dietary habits. By setting clear nutritional benchmarks and enforcing them through procurement policies, the government hopes to create a more health-conscious environment within its public institutions. As the implementation phase begins, ongoing monitoring and adjustments will likely play a crucial role in ensuring the success of this ambitious reform.