Schools warned about selling unhealthy food and drinks

Schools have been warned to ensure the health of students is not compromised by the food and drinks being sold by school canteens.

Health Minister Rosy Akbar says school heads must ensure that school canteen operators abide by the School Canteen Guideline and also the Fiji School Health Policy 2016.

Speaking at the launch of the Healthy Fiji Programme at Veiuto Primary School, Akbar says this is to ensure that healthy food, snacks and drinks are sold to students daily.

The Food Safety Regulations 2009 states that the penalty for operating a food establishment which is not licensed under the Food Safety Act is liable to a $10,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment.

It also states that if the owner of the food establishment fails to comply with any of the conditions of the license, he or she is further liable for a $200 fine or 12 months imprisonment.

The Ministry of Education has already said that it will close school canteens that fail to obtain a proper license.