A school canteen has come under the spotlight after a video making rounds on social media sparked debate over the kind of food being sold to primary school students.
Parents alarmed by unhealthy canteen menu
The clip, which was shared on X, gives a walkthrough of the canteen’s food stalls and quickly caught the attention of parents and netizens alike. In the video, dishes such as nasi lemak and fried rice can be seen on display, both known for being on the greasier side.
Image credits: Zulazri (x)
As the camera moves further along, the selection appears to include even more processed and fried items. These range from chicken nuggets and french fries to burgers and sausage noodles, raising eyebrows over how often such food is available to young students.
Unsurprisingly, the video went viral in no time, with many parents voicing their frustration online. Several questioned how these food options align with healthy eating guidelines for children, while others claimed that the canteen’s menu has barely changed over the years, offering little variety beyond fried and fast food.
Guidelines set by MoE not followed strictly
Many also pointed out what was missing. Viewers noted the lack of healthier choices like fruits, simple sandwiches, or balanced meals that include vegetables and protein. This, they said, could have long-term effects on children’s health and development if left unaddressed.
The situation has since prompted calls for schools and canteen operators to take greater responsibility in monitoring what is sold on campus. Netizens urged stricter enforcement of existing rules, especially those set by the Ministry of Education.
Under the ministry’s school canteen food and beverage guidelines, items such as:
- Junk food
- Sweets and chocolates
- Food packaged with toys
- Expired food and beverages
- Processed foods such as chicken nuggets
- Burgers
- Sausages
- French fries
are not allowed to be sold. Many now hope this viral moment will push schools to take those guidelines more seriously and offer students healthier options moving forward.
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