Certain Food Items to Be Banned in Preschools

Frozen and deep-frozen meat and fish products, foods containing sweeteners, caramel, ice cream, jelly, raw and soft-boiled eggs, and various types of sausages will no longer be available to children in preschools. In light of the increasing rate of childhood obesity in Armenia, the government has established a new food guideline for preschool groups. The decision will come into force on January 1, 2026.

Food for children in these institutions will be organized based on the principle of meeting the physiological needs of the body for essential nutrients and energy. According to the proposed meal plan, carbohydrates should constitute 45-65% of the total energy intake, with added sugars not exceeding 10%, fats making up 30-40% for children aged 1 to 3 years and 25-35% for those aged 3 to 6 years, with saturated fatty acids limited to no more than 10%. Proteins should range from 5-20% for children aged 1 to 3 years and 10-30% for those aged 3 to 6 years.

The menu should be developed for a period of 10-12 days. For full-day preschool groups, meals should be organized 4-5 times a day, with time intervals between meals not exceeding 3.5-4 hours for children aged 3-6 years and 2-3 hours for those aged 1-2 years. Preschool children should receive hot meals at least twice a day. At the same time, salt should not be available for adding to prepared foods, and any seasonings should be provided in limited quantities.

Caffeinated beverages, including tea, creamy confections, chocolate, and chocolate-covered products are prohibited.

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