Amman, Aug. 22 (Petra) –Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) said safety of school food is a "shared responsibility" to guarantee students have access to safe and healthy choices, coinciding with the approaching start of the academic year.

In a press statement issued Saturday, the JFDA urged school canteen operators to implement the highest food safety standards and health requirements for handling food products.

The JFDA noted that this process aims to "solely" sell permitted food items that meet approved specifications and guidelines.

It also urged the use of reliable and licensed suppliers for food items to school canteens, calling for adherence to health requirements for handling, preserving, and storing food.

In this context, the JFDA cited the ban on preparing or selling products containing meat and its derivatives, both processed and unprocessed, such as shawarma, burgers, sausages, mortadella, and others, adding that sale of energy drinks in school canteens is prohibited.

As for home-prepared items, the JFDA urged parents to ensure their children's school meals have appropriate components, avoid meat, eggs, or dairy products that require refrigeration, and encourage students to choose healthy options.

For any comments, inquiries, or grievances, the JFDA announced its official complaints platform via WhatsApp at 0795632000 or via the toll-free complaints hotline at 117114.

//Petra// AG