New rules: no sugar in the menu for children under 2 years old

The addition of sugar to food and beverages for children under 2 years of age is to be prohibited, while for older children, a limit of 5% of daily intake will be introduced. This is provided for in a draft amendment to Ordinance No. 2 of 2013 on the healthy nutrition of children from 0 to 3 years of age, published for public consultation by the Ministry of Health.

The proposals introduce modern requirements in line with international recommendations, clearly regulating for the first time nutrition during the weaning period after 6 months of age.

Children’s kitchens will be able to offer menus tailored to the different stages of weaning, including sample weekly feeding schedules.

The project places a clear emphasis on limiting sugar in early childhood. No added sugar is allowed in the food and beverages of children under 2 years of age, and for older children, a limit of 5% of daily intake is introduced.

The goal is to reduce the risks of obesity, dental caries, and the formation of unbalanced eating habits from a very early age.

Changes are also planned to ease the burden on parents and update the requirements for nurseries. The requirement for blood and urine tests for the admission of clinically healthy children is being removed, with health status to be certified by a general practitioner.

The project also refines some of the requirements for equipment and organization in childcare facilities, as well as mandatory staff training related to early childhood development and health prevention.

The main objective of the changes is to ensure adequate, balanced nutrition in line with modern scientific recommendations for children aged 0 to 3, as well as to create conditions for building healthy habits from the earliest age.