Stricter school meal rules take effect in 2025 to fight childhood obesity

A new Dietary Standard for school meals will take effect on September 1, 2025. The rules aim to cut sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats while boosting fruit, vegetable, and dairy intake. All educational settings—from kindergartens to colleges—must follow the updated guidelines.

The government has highlighted poor student diets as a major concern. Many children consume too much salt, sugar, and fat, leading to rising obesity, diabetes, and heart disease rates. The new Standard forces schools to remove high-sugar and high-salt foods entirely.

The Standard introduces multi-variant menus tailored to age groups, calorie needs, and seasonal produce. Schools can adjust these menus based on local availability, student preferences, and parental feedback. Even small schools and children with special dietary requirements have dedicated provisions. Since 2023, the state has already provided free hot meals to all elementary pupils and eligible children receiving social assistance. The latest rules build on this by replacing sugary drinks with healthier options. However, details on regional rollouts and early impacts remain unclear, as current reports only outline the 2026 nutrition targets.

The Dietary Standard will reshape meals in schools, kindergartens, and health camps from next year. Schools must reduce sugar and salt while increasing fresh produce and dairy. The advisory menus allow flexibility but enforce stricter health requirements for all students.