Department of Health wants school canteens to serve healthy meals

Manila, Philippines– The Department of Health recommends that school canteens throughout the country should have “canteen makeover” and to sell healthy meals to students.

DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said many canteens sell unhealthy food, soft drinks and “junk” food.

In an interview with GMA News, DOH Secretary Tayag acknowledged that parents sometimes have to pinch pennies and, consequently, send the kids off with unhealthy packed meals or “baon”.

The DOH’s recommendations does not only cover healthy eating, it also looks to students’ health in general. The department wants to see schools have water and soap available so students can wash their hands before eating. Getting enough sleep is also another concern of the department.

Tayag also pointed out that regardless whether the food is brought from home, bought in the school canteen or bought from a street vendor, care must be taken to make sure the meal is unspoilt and protected from contaminants that cause diarrhea.

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