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Gaceta Sanitaria
Print version ISSN 0213-9111
Abstract
XIOMARA MONROY-PARADA, Doris et al. Map of school nutritional policies in Spain. Gac Sanit [online]. 2021, vol.35, n.2, pp.123-129. Epub Nov 29, 2021. ISSN 0213-9111. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaceta.2019.10.005.
Objective
To systematically describe the school nutritional policies of the 17 autonomous communities of Spain.
Method
Through a search of bibliographic databases, web pages and other official information systems, 183 documents of interest were identified. Information was systematically collected with the SNIPE (school nutrition index of programme effectiveness) questionnaire, adapted to Spain, and validated by reference staff of the regional government's health and education ministries.
Results
The main objective of the policies is to prevent obesity and improve the nutrition of schoolchildren. The 17 autonomous communities cover the school canteen service, 11 cafeteria and vending machines, and 9 the breakfast service. All communities use the Consensus Document on School Food as a reference for the content of the menu and the nutritional quality of the products offered at the school; however, only 4 of them have regulated these aspects. The evaluation of policy objectives ranges from 58.8% of the autonomous communities for food supply to 5.9% for rotation and menu quality.
Conclusion
Although all the autonomous communities have standards for the school menu, the standards for the rest of the food supply vary across them; also, evaluation of objectives is scarce and only 4 communities have approved mandatory regulations. Nutritional standards should be reviewed according to current scientific knowledge and enacted by law, in compliance with the current legislation (Act 17/2011).
Keywords : Childhood obesity; Nutrition; Nutritional policies; School feeding; Standards.