School canteens are one of the places where children learn healthy eating habits and are introduced to making healthier food choices.
Following a meeting between the Panhellenic Federation of Public and Private School Canteens (Greece) and Deputy Minister of Health Irini Agapidaki (Greece) on the clarification and regulation of product weights and portion sizes in school canteens, an amendment to the Ministerial Decision has been published.
The amendment incorporates the proposed changes to product weights and portion sizes, making the guidelines easier to implement.
The approved changes include the following:
Sesame, multiseed and pretzel-style buns
For these categories, wholemeal bread with a maximum weight of 80 grams is recommended, expanding the range of healthier options available in school canteens.
Popcorn
Popcorn may be sold in secondary school canteens, subject to specific nutritional requirements. The maximum permitted portion is 40 grams, and the product must meet the following nutritional limits:
- no added sugars;
- total fat of no more than 17 g per 100 g of product;
- sodium of no more than 0.5 g per 100 g;
- saturated fat of no more than 3 g per 100 g.
This allows popcorn to be sold under clear nutritional requirements and a defined portion size.
Bread, Arabic pita and tortilla
These categories now explicitly include white, wholemeal and multigrain bread, as well as Arabic pita and tortilla. Wholemeal products are recommended as the preferred option, while gluten-free bread may also be sold. The maximum permitted quantity is 80 grams.
Cheese pie, vegetable pies and cheese buns
This category includes cheese pie, vegetable pies such as spinach, pumpkin and herb pies, as well as cheese buns. The maximum permitted quantity is 100 grams. This portion limit reflects the relatively high calorie content of these foods and forms part of efforts to address childhood obesity.
Pizza without cold cuts
Pizza without cold cuts may be sold, with a maximum weight of 100 grams. The provision maintains the ban on cold cuts while allowing pizza to be offered in school canteens within a defined portion size.
Sandwiches and toast
Sandwiches and toast may be prepared with grilled or boiled chicken or turkey rather than cold cuts.
Dairy drinks
Milk-based drinks prepared in the canteen using fresh milk and fresh or frozen fruit may be sold. The sale of standardized ready-made versions and the use of powdered mixes for their preparation are prohibited.
Behind every decision we make about school canteens, there is one clear goal: to protect the health of our children by offering nutritious choices that support their healthy development, while also taking into account the realities and everyday needs of school life. With the support of the National Nutrition Committee and based on scientific criteria, we have introduced targeted adjustments that combine nutritional care with practical implementation. Our goal is to help children learn from an early age to appreciate healthy eating. Through small but meaningful changes in their daily lives, we stand alongside parents and take care of what is most precious to us: our children.
Irini Agapidaki, Deputy Minister of Health (Greece)
