Members of the Knesset’s Education Committee discussed the problem of unhealthy school lunches in a meeting on Tuesday.  The discussion was initiated by consumer’s rights advocates, who pointed out that most of the foods sold in middle and high schools are high in fats, sugars, and preservatives.  Typical school menus include french fries, schnitzels, burekas, hot dogs, cake, and soda, advocates said.

The unhealthy menus violate regulations promoted by the Education Ministry.  Ministry officials have ordered schools to serve vegetables, fruits, and sandwiches with whole wheat and low-fat cheese, and to avoid exposing children to foods that could damage their health.  However, due to a lack of supervision, many schools do not follow the ministry’s instructions, MKs said.  Several expressed concern that vendors selling food in schools lack inspection for sanitation standards, and that many charge exorbitant prices for their products.