Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health Sri Lanka has released details of food items prohibited under its newly introduced “Guidelines on Healthy School Canteens”, aimed at ensuring students have access to affordable, safe, and nutritious meals in a healthy environment.
The guidelines emphasize maintaining clean and hygienic canteens that are free from disease-carrying vectors, ensuring continuous supervision of canteen operations, and raising awareness among food handlers regarding personal hygiene and food safety responsibilities.
Authorities have also instructed schools to develop canteen menus that reflect children’s preferences while promoting nutritional value and local food traditions.
Food Items Prohibited in School Canteens
Processed Meat Products
- Sausages
- Meatballs
- Bacon
- Ham
- Foods prepared using these ingredients, including burgers, hot dogs, and pizza
High Flour and Sugar Foods
- Pastries
- Donuts
- Eclairs
- Biscuits
- Cakes
Instant Foods and Flavorings
- Instant noodles
- Soup cubes
- Seasoning powders
- Canned pickles
Sugar-Rich Sweets and Desserts
- Chewing gum
- Toffee
- Lollipops
- Puddings
- Ice cream
- Processed desserts
Salt-Rich Snack Foods
- Boondi
- Muscat
- Dodol
- Murukku
- Extruded snacks such as Tipi Tip
Unhealthy Beverages
- Carbonated soft drinks
- High-sugar beverages
- Flavoured milk drinks
- Flavoured yogurt drinks
- Energy drinks
- Instant tea and coffee beverages
According to the Health Ministry, the new regulations are intended to encourage healthier eating habits among schoolchildren and reduce their exposure to foods associated with obesity and other non-communicable diseases. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve child nutrition and long-term public health outcomes across the country.
