FG Issues Healthy Food Rules for Schools, Hospitals

The Federal Government has introduced new national food procurement guidelines that will stop the purchase and sale of sugar-sweetened drinks, processed meats, deep-fried snacks and other unhealthy food items in schools, hospitals, correctional centres, NYSC orientation camps and other public institutions.

The policy is part of efforts to reduce the growing number of non-communicable diseases across the country. It was developed by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL).

Under the National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services, all food purchased with public funds must meet new nutrition standards. Government agencies will no longer be allowed to buy or serve sugary beverages, sausages, canned meats, instant noodles, ultra-processed snacks, doughnuts, cakes, packaged biscuits or foods containing industrial trans fats and excessive amounts of salt and sugar.

Instead, ministries, departments and agencies will be required to provide healthier options such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, legumes, fortified foods and locally produced farm products. Meals served in public institutions must also meet approved nutrition and food safety standards.

Executive Director of the Nigerian Heart Foundation, Dr Kingsley Akinroye, described the policy as a major step towards creating healthier food environments in government institutions. He said the guidelines would help ensure that food procurement, preparation and service are based on recognised nutrition standards that promote good health and reduce disease.

He explained that unhealthy eating habits remain one of the leading causes of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity in Nigeria. According to him, the country had previously lacked a nationwide framework for healthy food procurement in public institutions, making the new policy a timely response to an urgent health challenge.

The guidelines apply to schools, hospitals, orphanages, correctional facilities, internally displaced persons’ camps, military formations, government offices and every public institution that purchases food with government funds.

Among the new requirements are a ban on sugar-sweetened drinks and beverages containing non-sugar sweeteners, the removal of processed meats such as sausages and canned meat, and restrictions on deep-fried snacks including doughnuts and samosas. Institutions must also serve at least two portions of fruits and two portions of vegetables daily, replace refined grains with whole grains, reduce salt and sugar in meals and source more fresh food from local farmers.

Government institutions are also expected to use healthier vegetable oils instead of partially hydrogenated oils and animal fats while adopting cooking methods that reduce unhealthy fat content.

The policy further requires at least 30 per cent of food procurement budgets to be spent on buying food directly from local farmers and community suppliers. The move is intended to support local agriculture while improving food security across the country.

In addition, the guidelines introduce regular checks on sodium, sugar and saturated fat levels in meals served in public institutions. Compliance audits and inspections will be carried out, while suppliers and institutions that fail to meet the required standards may face sanctions and financial penalties or be excluded from future government procurement contracts.

Akinroye said the quality of meals served in public institutions affects the health of millions of Nigerians. He noted that healthier food environments can help reduce cases of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and other illnesses linked to poor diets while improving the wellbeing and productivity of the population.

He also stated that good heart health begins with healthy eating and pledged that the Nigerian Heart Foundation would continue supporting the implementation of the guidelines through advocacy, technical support, public awareness campaigns and partnerships that encourage healthier food choices.

According to him, the policy places Nigeria among countries using government food procurement to improve public health, reduce medical costs and prevent diseases linked to unhealthy diets.

The Bureau of Public Procurement will supervise the implementation of the new guidelines alongside relevant ministries and government agencies. Institutions that fail to comply with the policy may face regulatory action, financial sanctions or lose access to future government procurement opportunities.