Nearly half of all Balearic schools told to get a healthier menu

AFTER regional Health ministry research into the quality of food in Balearic school dining rooms, nearly half of the educational centres visited have been told to provide better balanced meals.

The Public Health department confirmed yesterday that during the 2008 to 2009 school year, the ministry had wanted to take steps to ensure children were eating a proper balanced diet to safeguard their health in later years. Nearly 160 schools were visited providing meals at lunch-time to around 11'000 pupils, a fifth of the total school population.

Reports were made on how often children were given fresh fruit and vegetables, if they were provided with traditional Balearic cooking, what methods were used to prepare the food and how the diet balanced out on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Recommendations have now been made to the organisations governing the schools where children's food fell below par, to upgrade the nutritional content and balance of the dining room menus. The ministry is to carry out follow-up investigation once food quality has been adjusted.