Abu Dhabi has introduced new rules to make sure that students in schools and universities eat safe and healthy food. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), working with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), has set clear requirements for food suppliers and schools. These guidelines aim to improve nutrition, maintain hygiene, and encourage healthy eating habits among students while supporting the UAE’s long-term public health and sustainability goals.
Easy Online Permit System for Food Suppliers
Food companies that want to supply meals to schools and universities must now apply for a permit through the “Tamm” app and platform. The process is quick, costs AED 200, and takes only six minutes to complete. This makes it simple for businesses but ensures only qualified companies are approved.
To get this permit, suppliers must:
- Have a valid commercial licence with food-related activities listed.
- Hold an “A” rating from their latest ADAFSA inspection.
- Provide a vehicle permit from Emirates Transport under the company’s name.
These steps make sure that only safe and trusted suppliers can deliver food to schools.
School Food Safety Policies
ADEK requires all schools to set up a clear food safety and healthy eating policy. This ensures that students are not only given safe food but also learn better eating habits.
The policy must include:
- Serving nutritious meals that meet Abu Dhabi Food Guidelines.
- Promoting sustainable eating habits to cut down waste and protect the environment.
- Supervising students during mealtimes to avoid accidents, bullying, or ignoring dietary needs.
- Providing at least one healthy daily meal for every student.
This approach helps schools build a healthier environment and support student wellbeing.
Hygiene and Food Safety Standards
Schools must follow ADAFSA’s Abu Dhabi Food Guidelines for hygiene and safety. These rules cover how food should be prepared, stored, and served.
Certain foods and drinks are strictly banned in schools, including:
- Alcohol
- Soft drinks
- Pork products
- Common allergens that may put children at risk
Schools must also have clear policies to protect children with allergies or dietary restrictions. These policies must be shared publicly on school websites so parents, students, and suppliers can all access the information.
Nutrition Labels for Transparency
The rules also make it mandatory to use Nutri-Mark front-of-pack labels. This system makes it easy to understand the nutritional value of packaged food. Parents, students, and teachers can quickly see whether a food item is healthy or not. This encourages informed choices and makes food suppliers more responsible.
Building a Healthier Future for Students
These new steps are part of Abu Dhabi’s larger plan to improve public health. The UAE has been focusing on reducing childhood obesity, diabetes, and unhealthy eating habits. By setting strong food rules in schools, the government is addressing these issues early.
Healthy eating at a young age is seen as an investment in the future. Nutritious meals, safe handling of food, and clear nutrition labels all work together to reduce the health risks linked to poor diets.
Focus on Sustainability
The rules also highlight the importance of sustainable food practices. Schools and suppliers are encouraged to reduce food waste, use eco-friendly packaging, and source food responsibly. This supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, which focuses on building a greener and more sustainable future.
By combining food safety with sustainability, Abu Dhabi is creating a model that protects both student health and the environment.
Extra Care for Young Children
The guidelines also apply to early childhood centres. Since younger children are more vulnerable, these rules require fresh and age-appropriate meals, careful preparation, and extra supervision during meals. This ensures that even the youngest learners are protected and receive balanced nutrition.
Monitoring and Accountability
ADAFSA and ADEK will continue to inspect and monitor schools and suppliers. If schools or companies fail to follow the rules, they could face penalties, lose their permits, or be removed from the approved list. This strict monitoring ensures that standards remain high and students are always safe.
Parents can feel reassured knowing that schools are being held responsible for their children’s health and meals.
Impact on Education and Wellbeing
These food safety policies show that education in Abu Dhabi is not only about academics but also about student health and wellbeing. When children are given safe, healthy meals and positive eating environments, they are more focused and perform better in their studies.
Schools that follow these rules also play a role in shaping future generations by teaching the importance of balanced diets, food safety, and respect for others’ dietary needs.
Setting a Regional Example
With these new rules, Abu Dhabi becomes a leader in food safety in schools across the Middle East. Few countries in the region have such detailed and enforceable food safety policies for students. This move may inspire other Gulf countries to adopt similar practices.
The use of technology through the Tamm platform, combined with a focus on health and sustainability, reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision of modern governance and long-term planning.
