School canteens: New rules introduced – What changes in portions and available food items

The rules regarding the grams and portions of products and food items available in school canteens have been amended, with the aim of facilitating the implementation of the relevant guidelines. The amendment to the ministerial decision was made following cooperation between the National Nutrition Committee and the Panhellenic Federation of Public and Private School Canteens (POKDIS), while seven specific proposals submitted by the Federation were adopted.

Specifically:

Sesame bread ring, multigrain bread ring and pretzel-type products
For these categories, wholegrain products are recommended, with a maximum weight of 80 grams, expanding healthier options in school catering.

Popcorn
It is allowed as an available product only in secondary education school canteens, under specific nutritional requirements. The maximum permitted portion is set at 40 grams, while the product must meet specific nutritional composition limits:

• no added sugars,
• total fat up to 17g per 100g of product,
• sodium up to 0.5g per 100g,
• saturated fat up to 3g per 100g.

In this way, the availability of the product is linked to clear nutritional requirements and portion control.

Bread, pita bread and tortilla
These categories now explicitly include white bread, wholegrain bread and multigrain bread, as well as pita bread and tortillas. Wholegrain products are recommended as the preferred option, while gluten-free bread may also be available. The maximum permitted quantity is set at 80 grams.

Cheese pie, vegetable pies and cheese bread ring
This category includes cheese pies, vegetable pies such as spinach pie, zucchini pie and greens pie, as well as cheese bread rings. The maximum permitted quantity is set at 100 grams. The retention of this specific portion size is due to the high caloric content of these foods, as part of measures aimed at combating childhood obesity.

Pizza without cured meats
Pizza without cured meats is allowed, with a maximum weight of 100 grams. The regulation maintains the ban on the use of processed meats, while allowing pizza to be sold in school canteens under a specific portion limit.

Sandwiches and toast
They may be sold with grilled or boiled chicken and turkey meat, but not with processed meat products.

Dairy drinks
Milk-based beverages prepared in the canteen using combinations of fresh milk and fresh or frozen fruit are allowed. The sale of standardized equivalent beverages, as well as the use of ready-made powder mixes for their preparation, is prohibited.

Highlighting the importance of the new regulation, Deputy Minister of Health Eirini Agapidaki said:

“Behind every decision we make regarding school canteens, there is one single goal: to protect the health of our children by offering them nutritional choices that support their proper development, while at the same time not overlooking the reality and daily needs of school life.

With the contribution of the National Nutrition Committee and based on purely scientific criteria, we decided on targeted adjustments that combine nutritional care with practical implementation. Our goal is for our children to learn from an early age to appreciate healthy eating. Through small but meaningful changes in their daily lives, we stand by parents, taking care of what is most valuable to us.”