The Ministry of Education (MOE) has recently announced a ban on 12 categories of food and drinks from being sold in schools.

In a Facebook post, the ministry stated that the list was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Nutrition Division, aiming to encourage healthier eating habits among students and support proper growth and development.

Image Credit: The Star

Here is the list of banned food and drink items:

1. Food that violates Malaysia’s Food Regulation 1985
   -Expired food
   -Food that resembles toys
2. Processed food
   -Fries, sausages, nuggets, lok cheng, and more
   -Fishballs, chicken or meatballs sold as snacks rather than proper meals
   -Junk food
   -Candies and chocolates
3. Pickled food
4. Cream-filled or sugar-coated food
5. Instant products
   -Instant noodles, porridges, and soups
   -Instant seasoning
6. Ice confectionery and ice cream products
7. Sweetened beverages and toppings
   -Cordials
   -Flavoured syrups
   -Powdered 3-in-1 drink mixes
   -Creamers
   -Whipping creams
8. Energy, isotonic, carbonated, and flavoured herbal drinks
9. Fruit juices with less than 35% fruit content
10. Coffee and tea (only teachers are allowed)
11. Food and beverages containing alcohol

Initiative praised by Malaysians

While many supported the ban, others urged authorities to monitor food sold outside school gates.

“This is a great effort by the ministry to promote a healthier lifestyle among students, but don’t forget to monitor the prices of food sold in schools. I once bought a chicken dish that cost almost the same as a pack of chicken rice sold outside.”

“I hope you’ll also monitor food sellers outside school gates. Maybe schools could report them to the authorities, as most operate without a license and often sell unhealthy food,” commented a user.

Image Credit: Facebook

Another said, “I hope the ministry can also list menus that can be sold in schools. Most school canteens sell drinks made from cordials with excessive sugar and food colouring. It’s easier to list banned items, but listing approved ones would make things clearer. Also, food pricing should be monitored, healthy food is often not cheap.”

Image Credit: Facebook

Featured Image Credit: Malay Mail, iStock, ET Food Voyage