The ban includes items such as hot dogs, burgers, pizzas, biscuits, cakes, carbonated soft drinks, extruded snacks, and packaged beverages. Health authorities said the decision follows growing concern over unhealthy eating habits among schoolchildren.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau, Nutrition Division Specialist Dr Monika Wijerathne said that a new guideline handbook has also been introduced to regulate and closely monitor school canteens across the country.
Officials from the Health Promotion Bureau highlighted that the initiative comes in response to findings from the 2024 Global School-based Student Health Survey, which revealed that 12% of children aged 13 to 17 are overweight, while 3% are obese.
The survey also showed concerning dietary patterns among students, including 17.4% regularly consuming carbonated drinks, 28.5% consuming high-salt foods, 29% consuming high-fat foods, and 41% consuming high-sugar foods.
Authorities stressed that stronger regulation and consistent monitoring of school canteens are essential to improving long-term health outcomes and promoting healthier eating habits among schoolchildren.
