Spain's New Initiative Limits Ultra-Processed Foods in Public and Private Childcare Facilities

In a significant move towards promoting healthier eating habits among children, Pablo Bustinduy, the Minister of Consumption in Spain, announced the removal of ultraprocessed foods from children's menus in hospitals and nursing homes. This announcement, made during the XVI NAOS Convention, has broader implications as the Ministry is set to limit ultraprocessed food offerings across all public centers, including museums, libraries, universities, sports centers, and even private facilities catering to dependent individuals or those with special needs. Minister Bustinduy emphasized the necessity of this initiative by stating, 'It is incomprehensible that the Administration allows unhealthy food offers to prevail.' The upcoming Royal Decree aims to foster a healthier and environmentally sustainable diet, and is expected to be published this Thursday. Under the new regulations, centers with residential services or full board will be permitted to serve a maximum of two servings of ultraprocessed foods per week, and only one serving is allowed for breakfasts and snacks. Notably, ultraprocessed foods will be completely removed from children’s menus across all facilities. The regulations also account for individual dietary needs, considering health, ethical, and religious factors. To further promote healthy choices, at least 80% of vending machine options are required to be healthy, with strict regulations on the visibility and placement of ultraprocessed items. The installation of clearly marked drinking water fountains will ensure free access to water in these facilities. Additionally, a commitment to serving at least 90% fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables and offering varied meal options is articulated in the decree. It encourages facilities to prepare meals in their own kitchens using fresh ingredients. To monitor nutritional health, nutritional screenings will be performed upon admission and regularly thereafter, allowing for early detection of malnutrition or nutritional risk. Following these assessments, tailored nutritional care plans will be developed to address the individual needs of each resident, also informing them about their health status and providing guidelines upon discharge. This new standard builds on the Royal Decree for Healthy and Sustainable School Cafeterias approved in April 2025, which guarantees all children receive five healthy meals each week, promoting the consumption of fresh and seasonal produce in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines. Minister Bustinduy stressed the purpose of these cafeterias as not just food provision sites for millions of schoolchildren, but also as educational environments fostering an understanding of healthy lifestyles and good dietary habits that will persist throughout their lives. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2