Spain approves healthy food rules for hospitals and residences

The Council of Ministers has approved a royal decree setting food standards for hospitals, residential centres and other public canteens, including nursery schools for children aged 0 to 3.

The rules cover public and private hospitals, residential centres and nursery schools, as well as public libraries, universities and museums. Nursery schools were not included in the earlier decree on school canteens.

Requirements for menus

Foods high in saturated fat, sugar and salt are excluded from menus for children and adolescents in hospitals and nurseries. In hospitals and residential centres, pre-cooked portions are capped at three a month; the limit falls to one a month for minors and children in nursery schools. Meals are to be prepared on site.

Daily menus must include one main dish a week made entirely with plant proteins and two portions of fish. Full-board menus must include four plant-protein meals and three portions of fish a week; they must also provide three portions of vegetables a day and two to three portions of fruit. Nursery schools are limited to two portions of fried food a week.

At least 90% of fruit and 30% of vegetables served must be fresh and in season, and at least 10% of fruit and vegetables must come through short distribution circuits. At least 70% of vending-machine products must be healthy and placed in the most visible central rows. Coffee machines must default to no added sugar, with up to 5g available as an option. Centres must also provide free, signposted drinking-water fountains and have food supervised by professionals with accredited training.

Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy said the measure faces resistance from lobby groups and business interests. The reports reviewed did not specify an application date or list exemptions.

Sources: elDiario.es; Andalucía Información; La Vanguardia.