Sánchez's government will require schools to offer vegan and Muslim menus

The Spanish Government of the socialist Pedro Sánchez approved on Tuesday the Royal Decree on Healthy and Sustainable School Canteens, a regulation promoted by the Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy.

This new provision establishes the obligation for educational centers to offer vegan menus and specific options for Muslim students, as well as for those with dietary restrictions motivated by ethical or religious reasons.

Until now, the possibility of accessing these menus depended on the decision of each autonomous community or even the school itself. With the new regulation, a common framework is set that must be applied in all public and private schools offering early childhood, primary, compulsory secondary education, high school, or basic and intermediate vocational training, as long as they have a school canteen.

Numerous school canteens in Spain include among their options a halal menu intended for Muslim students. This type of menu is prepared according to the principles established by Islamic law.

The decree also imposes the obligation to offer five healthy meals a week and permanently eliminates industrial pastries, both in the canteens and vending machines.

According to Ministry figures, more than 1,200 school canteens never include fish in their menus, and they will now be required to incorporate it between one and three times a week. Additionally, the inclusion of legumes, whole grains, and plant-based proteins is reinforced, which must also be part of the second course.

This regulation is based on the recommendations of entities such as the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition and the World Health Organization. The objective, as Bustinduy explained, is to "ensure a balanced and quality diet for all students, regardless of their families' economic situation."

Furthermore, the regulation requires that schools have adequate facilities to refrigerate and heat the tupperware that students bring from home, an aspect that was not previously covered by legislation.