Portugal implements new school meal guidelines to combat childhood obesity

Portugal is implementing new nutritional guidelines for school cafeterias to combat childhood obesity, as data from the Directorate-General of Health indicates that 31.9% of children aged 6 to 8 are overweight. The new ‘Guidelines for School Meals and Cafeterias of 2026’ aim to align school diets with the Mediterranean diet by increasing vegetable presence, prioritizing fish over meat, and promoting traditional cooking methods like stews and braises.

Under the new rules, fried foods such as nuggets, croquettes, and rissóis are prohibited. Processed meats and fish products, including fish sticks and crab sticks, are also restricted. Desserts will be limited to one sweet option per month, with fresh fruit being the standard replacement. Additionally, water will be the only beverage served, and omelets may only serve as the primary protein source once per week.

In response to these health challenges, the Escola Missão Continente project has marked its tenth anniversary by introducing a new visual identity and educational characters called ‘Monstrinhos’. The initiative focuses on food literacy, aiming to strengthen the connection between families and healthy eating habits through the concept that learning occurs at the dining table.