Spain mandates schools to serve fruits, vegetables, fish to combat childhood obesity

Spain has enacted new regulations requiring all schools to serve fruit and vegetables daily and fish at least once a week, with additional mandates for vegetarian and vegan meal options, in an effort to combat childhood obesity. The royal decree also restricts fried and fatty foods, limits sugary and caffeinated drinks, and requires that at least 45% of produce be seasonal and locally sourced, with a minimum of 5% certified organic. Schools are further limited to serving pizzas and pies not prepared on-site only once a month, and fried foods must be cooked using olive or sunflower oil. The rules respond to studies showing high rates of childhood overweight and obesity, particularly among lower-income families, and widespread non-compliance with previous nutritional standards in school cafeterias and vending machines. These policies apply to both public and private schools and aim to address health disparities tied to socioeconomic status. The government highlights these steps as essential to reversing obesity trends among Spanish youth.