Clampdown on school junk food ‘gaining traction’

The government has doubled down on its crackdown on unhealthy food in schools, part of a new nutrition policy aimed at tackling the island’s alarming youth obesity rates, in the face of resistance from some grown-ups.

But after initial resistance from parents and vendors, the Barbados School Nutrition Policy, introduced in 2023, is gaining traction as adults and children adapt to stricter dietary guidelines, experts have told Barbados TODAY.

The policy is a response to indications that the epidemic of lifestyle diseases from consuming excessive sugar and salt has begun to hold the nation’s children in its grip: 32 per cent of Barbadian adolescents are overweight, with 16 per cent classified as obese. The policy mandates that only nutritious food and beverages can be sold, served, and promoted in schools.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Davidson Ishmael acknowledged concerns but emphasised the policy’s importance.

“We know that there will still be persons who will see some challenges,” he said. “The Government of Barbados is going to do whatever we can in terms of policy, framework, and execution to ensure that all stakeholders involved get the best possible deal.”

Ishmael encouraged open communication from the public.

The policy’s second phase, running from September 2024 to July 2025, stipulates strict nutritional standards for school snacks. These include a maximum of 150 milligrammes of sodium per serving—10 per cent of the World Health Organisation’s recommended daily intake—and no more than 10 grammes of sugar per 100 millilitres. Cholesterol content is capped at 20 milligrammes, with fat limited to less than three grammes per serving.

Prominent paediatrician Professor Anne St John, who chairs the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention (BCOP) Coalition, recognised the initial pushback but stressed the need for greater public education.

“There will always be pushback from a variety of sectors in society,” she said. “It is related to the need for more education of parents, other stakeholders, schools, teachers, and vendors.”

Despite early resistance, nutritionist and BCOP Coalition co-chair Nicole Griffith noted a positive shift in attitudes.

“Initially, there was a lot of pushback, but now we have people who are saying: ‘Can you send us the list?’ or schools wanting to hold fundraisers with healthier options,” she revealed.

Griffith added that vendors are beginning to adapt, with some actively seeking compliant products.

“There are some vendors who have reached out to me while they were overseas shopping to inquire about certain snacks… and bring in stuff that are not on our market but are better alternatives to what we have,” she shared.

To simplify healthy choices, the coalition is collaborating with manufacturers and distributors to create an approved list based on strict nutritional standards.

“We’re working hard to ensure that the approved list is not only accessible but also practical for parents and vendors,” Griffith said.

The coalition has further tightened restrictions this year, reducing sugar limits to 10 grammes and sodium to 130 grammes, with plans to continue annual reductions.

“We will reduce it every year until we get to the ideal,” the nutritionist said.