A video circulating on social media has sparked public concern after a primary school canteen was accused of selling unhealthy fried and fast food to students.
The video, which was shared on platform X, shows the variety of food sold at the school canteen.
Unhealthy food draws attention
Among the items spotted were nasi lemak and fried rice, which are relatively oily dishes.
However, when the camera pans to another section, the canteen is also seen selling processed and fried foods such as fried chicken nuggets, french fries, burgers, and sausage noodles.
The footage quickly went viral, drawing criticism from parents who argued that the food sold at the canteen was too unhealthy and did not align with the recommended food pyramid guidelines for children.
Some parents also claimed that the canteen’s food selection had remained unchanged for years, raising further concerns over the lack of nutritious choices.
Calls for canteens to follow MoH guidelines
Netizens pointed out that the video did not show any healthier options such as fruits, egg sandwiches, or balanced meal choices. Many expressed worry that the continued sale of unhealthy food in school canteens could negatively impact children’s growth and development.
The public is now urging both the school and canteen operators to take responsibility and monitor the food sold to students more closely.
According to the Ministry of Health’s school canteen food and beverage guidelines, several items are strictly prohibited from being sold.
These include junk food such as chips, sweets, and chocolates, food packaged with toys, expired food and drinks, as well as processed foods like fried chicken nuggets, burgers, sausages, and french fries.
