FoodPolicy

Effective From: Academic Year 2024–2025 (Fall Term)
Full Compliance From: Academic Year 2025–2026 (Fall Term)

1. Introduction

Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al Ain (PIPS), recognizes that a safe and healthy diet is essential
for students’ physical and mental wellbeing. The school is committed to fostering an environment
that promotes healthy, balanced, and sustainable eating habits among students, staff, and parents.
This policy aims to ensure that the school’s food services comply with the Abu Dhabi Quality and
Conformity Council (QCC) Guidelines for Food in Educational Institutions in the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi (2022) and all other relevant ADEK and local authority standards.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure that all food and beverage services within the school premises comply with relevant health, nutrition, and food safety guidelines.
• Promote healthy eating habits and increase nutritional awareness among students, staff, and parents.
• Support sustainable and environmentally friendly meal practices in line with the school’s sustainability goals.
• Safeguard students with allergies, intolerances, or special dietary needs

3. Definitions

• Canteen: A designated school facility for the preparation, distribution, and sale of healthy, permitted foods.
• Healthy Eating: Consuming balanced, nutrient-rich foods that support physical and mental health.
• Sustainable Meal Practices: Food practices that reduce environmental impact, encourage local sourcing, and minimize waste.
• Food Services: All arrangements made for students and staff to obtain food during school hours and school events.

4. Policy Guidelines

4.1. Healthy Eating Promotion

• The school promotes a culture of healthy eating through awareness campaigns, assemblies, and classroom discussions.
• Foods high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats are discouraged on campus.
• Carbonated drinks, caffeinated beverages, fried snacks, and foods containing allergens such as nuts are prohibited.
• Students are encouraged to bring nutritious home-prepared meals such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains.

4.2 Canteen and Food Service Standards

• The school canteen (if applicable) shall comply with the Abu Dhabi Guideline for Food in Educational Institutions and relevant QCC and ADAFSA requirements.
• Only approved and licensed vendors are permitted to operate or supply food items to the school.
• All canteen staff must be trained and certified in hygiene and food safety practices.
• Daily inspection records and food handling logs shall be maintained and reviewed by school management.

4.3 Nutrition Education

• Nutrition awareness is integrated into the school curriculum through subjects such as Science and Islamic Studies, emphasizing moderation and healthy choices.
• The school conducts periodic workshops, poster competitions, and awareness days on topics such as balanced diet, hydration, and sustainable food consumption.

4.4 Staff and Parent Engagement

• Teachers and canteen staff shall attend relevant ADEK, ADPHC, or QCC training on healthy eating and food safety.
• Parents are provided with guidelines on healthy lunchbox preparation and are informed about prohibited items through circulars and WhatsApp class groups.
• Food-related concerns (e.g., allergy incidents, unhealthy lunch items) are immediately communicated to parents.

4.5 Student Supervision

Teachers and supervisors monitor students during snack and lunch breaks to ensure that:

• All students consume safe and permitted food.
• No sharing of food occurs that may expose others to allergens.
• Food-related bullying or disordered eating behavior is addressed promptly and reported.

5. Special Considerations

5.1 Religious and Cultural Compliance

• All food provided or consumed on campus shall adhere to Halal standards and respect the cultural and ethical values of the school community.
• Food containing pork or alcohol derivatives is strictly prohibited.

5.2 Allergies and Intolerances

• The school maintains a record of students’ allergies and ensures this information is accessible to relevant staff and the canteen.
• Parents are required to inform the school immediately of any new allergies or dietary conditions and provide emergency medication (e.g., EpiPen) where necessary.
• All staff receive guidance on how to respond to allergic reactions and maintain appropriate first-aid protocols.

6. Sustainability

Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al Ain, is committed to promoting sustainability in food services through:

• Encouraging reusable containers and discouraging single-use plastics.
• romoting plant-based or locally sourced food options when possible.
• Reducing food waste through portion control and awareness campaigns.
• Implementing waste segregation and recycling practices within the canteen and classrooms.

7. Compliance and Monitoring

• The school’s Healthy Eating and Food Safety Policy shall be reviewed annually and published on the school website.
• All canteen vendors, staff, and parents must comply with this policy.
• Non-compliance will be addressed in line with ADEK regulations and applicable UAE laws on food safety.

8. References

• Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC). (2022). Abu Dhabi Guideline for Food in Educational Institutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (ADG 2, 3rd ed.).
• ADEK (2024). School Healthy Eating and Food Safety Policy (Version 1.1).
• Federal Law No. (10) of 2015 on Food Safety.
• Federal Decree Law No. (31) of 2021 on Crimes and Penalties.
• ADPHC and ADAFSA Guidelines on School Nutrition and Food Safety.