EODY introduces new safety protocols for Greek schools

The National Public Health Organization (EODY) has introduced a unified prevention guide for nurseries and schools to enforce stricter hygiene and safety standards. The new circular addresses three critical areas previously lacking institutional guidelines: the management of home-brought lunches (lunch boxes), the preparation and storage of school-provided meals, and protection against toxic chemical cleaners.

Regarding food safety, the guidelines recommend that cooked or prepared meals, such as sandwiches with deli meats and cheeses, be transported in airtight containers, preferably using isothermal bags with ice packs. Upon arrival at school, perishable foods must be placed in a refrigerator at temperatures below 5°C. If a cold chain cannot be maintained, food must be consumed within four hours or discarded.

The organization also issued a warning against the excessive use of chlorine in cleaning processes to protect children from toxic risks.