Nutrition Score Era Begins in School Canteens
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has introduced a new rating system for school foods. Products not approved by the Ministry of Health cannot be sold in canteens, even if they have a high nutrition score.
With the amendments made to the Communiqué on School Foods, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has incorporated the Nutrition Score system, consisting of the letters A, B, and C, into the legislation. Under the new regulation, although the nutritional profiles of products will be displayed transparently on labels, the sale of foods not deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Health will be strictly prohibited.
What is the Nutrition Score System
Implemented with the new regulation, the Nutrition Score is defined as a system that analyzes the energy values, nutrient components, and production processes of foods. This system aims to present the nutritional profile of products to consumers using colors and letters.
Ministry of Health Criteria Will Be Essential
The methods and criteria to be used in calculating the Nutrition Score will be determined by the Ministry of Health. A product receiving an A, B, or C score does not mean that it can be sold in school canteens.
Foods whose sale is not deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Health cannot be offered for consumption in canteens, cafeterias, and dining halls within schools, even if they have a high nutrition score.
New Rules in Approval Processes
New provisions have been introduced for businesses in the school food approval process. In the event of the termination of production or importation of an approved product, the school food approval of the product will be automatically cancelled.
Additionally, if the food business holding the approval is transferred or closed, the school food approval of the relevant product will be considered invalid even if the business registration number remains unchanged.
Transition Period and Implementation Schedule
With the regulations made, while some articles of the communiqué were repealed, labeling and logo usage were updated according to the new criteria. September 13, 2027, will be taken as the basis for the transition period during the implementation process.