TL;DR: Dubai's 2024 Food and Nutrition Guidelines are reshaping school meals and nutrition from nurseries to universities. The updated guidelines prioritize healthier food options, sustainability (e.g., plant-based meals, eco-friendly packaging), and engaging students with technology like the "Food Heroes Plate" and "SCAN the Block" for food education. Schools also introduce "healthy eating points" to promote nutritious choices. Aimed at setting a global benchmark for school nutrition, these guidelines encourage health, environmental awareness, and stakeholder involvement, including food labeling for nutrition and allergens.

The Importance of Food Labeling in School Nutrition

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 40 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese in 2020. This underscores the critical importance of ensuring healthy, balanced meals in schools to combat childhood obesity and promote long-term health. In the UAE, childhood obesity is a growing concern, with 20% of children considered overweight or obese, as reported by the UAE National Diabetes Strategy. This leads to an increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) further reports that 30% of school-aged children in Dubai are overweight or obese, which highlights the urgent need for effective school catering and nutritional guidelines.

To address this issue, the Dubai 2024 Food and Nutrition Guidelines mandate food labeling for all meals served in educational institutions, including buffet-style and grab-and-go options. The guidelines specify that labels must include nutritional information based on the serving size, which reflects the actual portion students are consuming, rather than per 100 grams. Additionally, allergen information, including common allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, and others, must be clearly displayed to safeguard students with food sensitivities.

These labels must be provided in both Arabic and English to ensure clarity and accessibility for all stakeholders, including students, parents, and school staff. This labeling system aims to empower students and parents to make informed food choices, encourage healthier eating habits, and enhance food safety in schools.

Revolutionizing Nutrition in Dubai's Schools: A Global Standard in the Making

Dubai is making significant strides in transforming school nutrition with the release of the 2024 "Dubai Food and Nutrition Guidelines and Requirements in Educational Institutions." These guidelines are designed to set a global standard for school nutrition by emphasizing healthier food options, sustainability, and community engagement.

The 2024 guidelines build on the 2016 framework, now extending to nurseries, early learning centers, schools, and universities. The "My School Food" initiative brings together stakeholders—educational institutions, students, parents, food suppliers, and the Dubai Municipality—to ensure healthy eating habits are fostered across all educational stages.

A strong emphasis is placed on combining health with sustainability. Schools are encouraged to serve plant-based meals, reduce food waste, and use eco-friendly packaging, supporting both student health and environmental consciousness.

The updated guidelines integrate technology to make nutrition education more engaging. The "Food Heroes Plate" helps students understand balanced meal portions, while digital tools enable parents to track school meals, improving communication between home and school. Additionally, food labeling plays a vital role in guiding healthier food choices.

With a focus on food safety, students are taught to decode nutrition labels using the "SCAN the Block" method, helping them identify and avoid unhealthy food choices. This hands-on, interactive approach ensures that students understand the importance of nutrition in a practical and engaging way.

To make healthy eating more appealing, schools now offer "healthy eating points" for students who make nutritious food choices. This system gamifies healthy eating, encouraging students to make better decisions.

Dubai’s goal is to lead by example in school nutrition, equipping students with the knowledge and tools to make healthier choices. The guidelines set a model that could inspire other cities and countries to adopt similar practices, aiming to create a food-literate and health-conscious generation.

With the 2024 updates, Dubai is positioning itself as a global leader in school nutrition, integrating sustainability, technology, and interactive engagement. This initiative not only aims to improve school meals but also strives to foster a culture of health, food literacy, and environmental responsibility, paving the way for a healthier future.

Dubai’s approach offers a blueprint for change worldwide. As part of this movement, NutriCal plays a pivotal role by providing food labeling guidelines for nutrition and allergens, supporting schools and parents in making healthier and safer food choices. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how we can apply these approaches to our communities, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future.

Reference - DUBAI FOOD AND NUTRITION GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS (v7-02 Aug 24)

#HealthyEating #NutritionMatters #ChildhoodObesity #SchoolNutrition #FoodSafety #BalancedDiet #HealthAndWellness #DubaiHealth #UAEWellness #DubaiSchools #MiddleEastHealth #GCCHealth #SustainabilityInSchools #EdTech #FoodTech #FoodLabeling #Nutrical #NutritionEducation #DubaiGovernment #DXBMedia #DubaiMunicipality #DHA #MyDubai #DubaiInitiatives #SustainableDubai

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Dubai's 2024 Food Guidelines transform school meals, focus on health, sustainability, tech tools like "Food Heroes Plate," & food labeling to set a global benchmark for nutrition & awareness.

Dubai 2024 School Nutrition Guidelines: Health, Sustainability, and Global Standards

. Many people nowadays rely on soup especially those who are on diet. It is considered a light meal and an easy to eat food. Most food establishments are making their own version of soup and introducing it to the market. Their menu will never be complete without the soup category. 

The similarities and differences of soups. 

All soup has broth or stock, either it is meat or vegetables. They use fresh lime juice, extra olive oil, thyme and other spices. They use different vegetables and side dishes as well as spices.

: shrimps, broth, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce and chilli peppers. 

Some restaurants are proposing some add-ons ingredients to make it more delicious and unique. 

is a spicy sticky noodle soup originated in Southeast Asia. It has different variations in terms of flavors like, Curry 

Laksa,Nyonya laksa, Asam laksa & Laksa lemak. The secret of this soup is the 

 which can be made from scratch and play with each ingredient. 

rice noodles or vermicelli, coconut milk, chicken, prawn , fish, mushrooms & curry soup base.

Every restaurant has their own version of laksa that made them popular. 

soup based on lentils. It may be mixed by veggies or meat and use yellow, black or brown lentils. It originated in Europe, North Africa and in the Middle East. This soup is a good source of

 Lentils, carrots, celery, oregano, bay leaf & basil

Either it is prepared at home or in the restaurants, lentils soup will always be the same. It varies according to the kind of lentils used. 

- It originated in North America as their common condensed canned soup. It is mostly used as a base ingredient in casserole and also considered as their “comfort food”. It is easy to cook and the simplest soup yet one of the most delicious and safe to eat soup especially to those who have heart issues since mushrooms have low in sodium and are great for 

 Cream or milk, mushrooms and/or mushrooms broth.

- it is a simple unadorned soup usually paired by toasted bread or grilled cheese sandwich and dressed up with simple garnishes. They considered this soup as a comforting meal and called it a sophisticated soup. This soup is high in a number of essential nutrients. It gives high amounts of fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, C & K. 

Chicken broth, All purpose flour, whole peeled plum tomatoes, Fresh thymes, fresh basil unsalted butter & olive oil. 

It is a thick italian soup made with vegetables. Sometimes added with pasta or rice or both considerable. This has always been part of the traditional italian cuisine and 

. This is a hearty version of vegetable soup which is backed up with beans and pasta. It is a 

 Beans, macaroni pasta, carrots and tomatoes. 

French origin usually based on meat stock and onions, usually served with croutons and cheese on top of the piece of bread. It is made with caramelized onions, beef broth, with white wine. It is better to eat the next day, it becomes tastier. This soup is high in sodium. Eating often is not advisable. 

Beef stock, onions, parmesan cheese and french bread.

. It is a great antidote for times when a person is sick because of the 

Want to know more? and informed? Join and be with us with the same objectives. Sign-up at 

 or contact us/ WA +971549941190 or email at 

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Explore popular soups like Tom Yum, Laksa, Lentil, and more with detailed nutritional info. Learn about their ingredients, macros, and health benefits.

Tom Yum Soup has 20G Protein per serving.. find out more about Soups

In today's health-conscious market, food companies are increasingly focused on providing nutritious and safe options for their clients and customers. Working behind the scenes, 

 play a crucial role in ensuring that the food served meets dietary requirements, is well-balanced, and promotes healthy eating habits. Here we shed light on the multifaceted responsibilities of these professionals within different food company formats and highlight their significant impact on the industry.

Role of Nutritionists and Dieticians in Food Companies:

 - Collaborating with the team, they contribute to designing and innovating healthy food products.

 - Brainstorming key elements that align with company goals and consumer preferences.

2. Competitive Market Research and Analysis:

 - Conducting thorough market research to identify trends and ever-changing consumer demands.

 - Analyzing competitor offerings and identifying nutritional gaps to create a competitive edge.

 - Analyzing recipes and ensuring that food products meet dietary requirements.

 - Developing clear nutrition labels to provide accurate information to consumers.

(Nutritionists and dieticians can benefit from utilizing 

, the leading nutrition analysis company. 

 provides tools and services that simplify nutrition analysis, making their jobs easier.)

4. Menu Development and Dietary Planning:

 - Collaborating with chefs and staff to develop menus that cater to clients' and customers' nutritional needs.

 - Considering dietary restrictions, preferences, and nutritional requirements in menu creation.

 - Educating clients, customers, and staff about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits.

 - Collaborating with kitchen staff to ensure safe food preparation, storage, and serving.

6. Managing Food Allergies and Intolerances:

 - Ensuring that the company's offerings are safe for individuals with food allergies and intolerances.

 - Providing suitable alternatives and accommodating special dietary needs.

 - Managing multidisciplinary teams, subcontractors, and corporate wellness programs.

 - Analyzing market potential, forecasting sales, and building client relationships.

 - Collaborating with marketing teams to create effective strategies and campaigns.

Food Company Formats That Require Nutritionists and Dieticians:

 Developing and analyzing meal plans that meet clients' dietary needs.

 Menu development, quotations, and event coordination with a focus on nutrition.

 Analyzing nutrition and health claims for product labeling and compliance.

 are vital to the success of food companies, ensuring that the food served is nutritious, safe, and aligned with dietary requirements. Their involvement spans product design, menu development, nutrition analysis, education, food safety, and business development. Whether in meal plan companies, catering businesses, or food manufacturing, these professionals contribute to creating a positive impact on the industry and promoting healthy eating habits.

 contribute to the success of food companies, ensuring the provision of healthy and nutritious food options while prioritizing the dietary needs and preferences of clients and customers. Their expertise and knowledge, combined with the tools and services provided by 

, play a crucial role in navigating the complex landscape of food and nutrition. Ultimately, this collaboration contributes to the well-being of individuals and the overall improvement of public health.

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Nutritionists and dieticians are essential in food companies, shaping menus, ensuring safety, and promoting healthy eating. Learn how NutriCal aids in their role.

The Role of Nutritionists and Dieticians in Food Companies

 forms part of the internationally renowned SwissCanonica Group, which has been an established food and beverage operation in Geneva Airport since 1948. The launch of their Dubai operations happened in 2015 and since then they have been providing exceptional catering services to schools. Currently, SwissCanonica caters to 10 schools and 2 staff canteens in the region.

SwissCanonica prides itself on using fresh ingredients and cooking meals from scratch every morning to serve hot and delicious food to students. Their 12-week rotating menu is a major advantage, with chicken on Mondays, beef on Tuesdays, vegetarian dishes on Wednesdays, international cuisine on Thursdays, and a snack box on Fridays. The menu is designed to provide a well-balanced and nutritious diet to students, with all recipes following Dubai Municipality guidelines and using high-quality, carefully sourced ingredients. Each day, students can choose from two different menus, one with a protein-based main dish and the other with a vegetarian option available upon request.

The team at SwissCanonica works with nutritional specialists and experienced chefs to ensure that the food is both healthy and delicious. In addition, they collaborate with top suppliers in the UAE to obtain high-quality, local, seasonal, clean, and non-GMO ingredients for their meals. SwissCanonica believes that healthy and nutritious food is essential for children's development, which is why they prioritize the quality of their ingredients and menus.

Katarina, the Operation Manager for the schools, has been working for SwissCanonica for 5.5 years. When SwissCanonica began operations in Dubai, there were no specific requirements from the Dubai Municipality, but they wanted to work with a professional software provider in the region. They turned to Nutrical, a leading software provider, to ensure compliance with regulations and provide detailed nutritional information about each product.

Menu engineering was done based on recipe values, with a focus on providing nutritious and healthy meals to the students. Initially, SwissCanonica focused on grab-and-go meals, but they have since expanded to a 12-week menu. By the end of this year, they plan to provide nutritional value and allergy information for all the meals they serve, giving parents peace of mind and an opportunity to make informed choices about their children's food.

, the Operations Assistant, who finds the software user-friendly and easy to navigate. SwissCanonica appreciates the excellent support provided by the NutriCal team, which has been instrumental in ensuring that their catering services meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Overall, SwissCanonica is extremely satisfied with the NutriCal software, which has helped them streamline their operations, improve their menu engineering, and provide valuable nutritional information to their customers. The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents and staff members appreciating the transparency and commitment to quality demonstrated by SwissCanonica.

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SwissCanonica, catering to schools in Dubai, uses NutriCal for menu compliance, nutritional info, and allergy management, ensuring quality and transparency.

SwissCanonica & NutriCal: A Partnership for Quality & Compliant Catering Services

 is set to be the Kingdom's largest food event yet, attracting thousands of visitors, exhibitors, and industry professionals from around the world. As an exciting opportunity for food and hospitality professionals, this event promises to shape the future of Saudi Arabia's food scene. In this blog post, we will highlight what you can expect from the Saudi Food Show and invite you to connect with the Nutrical team, the GCC's leading nutrition analysis and food labeling software provider.

 is "Rise with the new food economy," reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to the growth and development of its food industry. The event is organized in collaboration with prestigious authorities, including the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Investment, and the Saudi Ports Authority, among others. This collective effort emphasizes the importance of the food sector in Saudi Arabia's economic diversification.

2. Distinguished Guests and Keynote Address:

 will be graced by H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, who will deliver the opening keynote address. His Excellency is also the president of the board of The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), the official strategic partner and sponsor of the Saudi Food Show 2023. With the participation of distinguished guests, including high-ranking government officials and industry leaders, the event promises insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities.

3. Unveiling Opportunities in the Saudi F&B Sector:

Saudi Arabia's food and beverage (F&B) sector presents tremendous opportunities for local and international investors. As one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Kingdom, it aligns with key national strategies focused on localization and national security. The Saudi Food Show serves as a vital platform for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and service providers to connect and explore potential business ventures.

4. Global Representation and New Product Launches:

The exhibition space at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre will host thousands of international brands from over 35 countries. Major players in the industry, such as Pepsico, Americana, and Lactalis, will be joined by country pavilions from the USA, UK, India, Singapore, Italy, Jordan, and Australia. This diverse representation will create opportunities for brand exposure, product showcases, and service demonstrations. The Saudi Food Show's dedication to facilitating business connections is further enhanced by the TawaSul meetings program, offering pre-scheduled one-on-one interactions between exhibitors and decision-makers.

5. Masterclasses, Celebrity Chefs, and Innovation:

 goes beyond being a trade show, incorporating various engaging activities. Top Table Saudi, a culinary extravaganza, will feature Michelin-starred celebrity chefs, Arab culinary experts, and young talents from the Kingdom's top hotel chains. Masterclasses, workshops, and interactive sessions will delve into global gastronomy, flavors of Arabia, beverage innovations, and even a dedicated Pizza World. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the rich diversity of international and traditional Saudi cuisine.

 is poised to leave a lasting impact on Saudi Arabia's food industry. As the GCC's leading nutrition analysis and food labeling software provider, 

 is excited to be a part of this event. We invite you to connect with our team at the Saudi Food Show and discover how our technology can assist you in navigating SFDA regulations regarding menu labeling and food labeling. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to be a part of the Kingdom's thriving food economy.

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Saudi Food Show: Explore the Kingdom's Largest Food Event

In Saudi Arabia, it is mandatory for restaurants and cafes to display calories for the food they serve.

This initiative was launched by the Saudi Food & Drug Authority in 2019 with the purpose of tackling rising obesity levels in the country. 

Cash counters and desks, physical menus and menu boards, drive-thrus, phone and web applications.

With NutriCal Health & Nutrition Software, you can easily calculate calories, macronutrients and other nutrients of your food recipes based on the ingredients and serving sizes used. 

 or call / whatsapp us on + 971 52 994 1190 for more information.

Source- The National Article, January 2019

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Learn about Saudi Arabia's mandatory calorie labeling law for restaurants and cafes and how NutriCal helps calculate and display nutritional information for your menu items.

Saudi Arabia (KSA) Calorie Labels on Menus

How else could a restaurant differentiate? What are consumers looking for these days? How can restaurants stand out in 2020? 

Attract & engage consumers, get publicity and marketing buzz, earn goodwill & comply with regulations by showing your consumers information they are interested in. Now more than ever, consumers are interested in knowing the health & nutrition data in their food. 

Did you know approximately 67% of customers in GCC are making dietary choices to prevent obesity, diabetes and blood pressure or hypertension. Source: Nielsen Report, 2016

We think this comes as an opportunity, since many consumers want to treat themselves by indulging in healthy, clean, minimally processed food products and restaurant dishes while happily paying a premium for it!

If you as a food brand or restaurant owner are investing in providing healthy and clean products to your consumers, make sure to effectively communicate the same by using NutriCal.

So if you are a restaurant owner, manager or chef - NutriCal's

 all in one nutrition management system has benefits both on the business and consumer end. 

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Stand out in 2020 by offering healthy, transparent menu options. Use NutriCal to manage nutrition analysis, display calorie and nutrient info, and meet consumer demand for health-conscious choices.

Restaurant Strategy in 2020

Nowadays, dishes are invented by not only chefs but also food lovers themselves - an example of that is the infamous “Poke Bowl”.

Pronounced as poh-KAY which rhymes with ‘okay’ - poke bowls are now all over social media and evidently a lot of menus too. 

A new found favourite for health fanatics and fitness freaks as well as 

 lovers - Poke Bowls can be referred to as next generation sushi or a deconstructed sushi.

Poke means “to slice or cut” in Hawaiian and refers to chunks of raw, marinated fish, usually tuna or salmon, which is then tossed over rice and topped with vegetables and sauces.

 are a great option. They are usually high in lean protein, 

 fats from fish, avocado and seeds and packed full of fibre from all the veggies and wholegrains, plus loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. It can be an appetizer or a main dish of native hawaiian cuisine. 

A traditional Poke Bowl with a 500G serving size has the following nutritional values:

Ingredients that make the Poke Bowls popular-

 the base layer of jasmine rice or a bamboo rice or even black & red rice is partnered. The warm rice is the right proximity against the super cold tuna. Some restaurants are offering low-carb options like zucchini noodles and kelp salad. The option to be as healthy as you want is part of the appeal and being special of the dish.

 The main ingredient, most commonly raw yellowfin tuna. But you can choose between several fish, including salmon and snapper. If raw fish isn’t your thing, look for options like tofu or cooked crab. In this way, you will never be out of way - being healthy. 

 To add color to the dish and make it healthier, these are usually found in a bowl:

 To highlight the fish and the dish itself, these are most commonly used for dressing, or other condiments like, shoyu, ponzu or even spicy black-bean paste. To add a beneficial effect to our taste bud, The red chili sauce is recommended. 

If you have a restaurant, cafe, cloud kitchen, or central kitchen and want to start a Poke Bowl brand that stands out - sharing food data with consumers is the best way to attract them to your brand. 

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" Discover the nutritional breakdown of a classic Poke Bowl! Learn about its ingredients, calories, and health benefits. Ideal for food businesses aiming for transparency.

Poke Bowl Recipe & Calories - rice, salmon, avocado....

NutriCal was invited to be a part of the startup presentations at Gulfood 2020. 

Gulfood which took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai (UAE) between 16-20 February, 2020 is the world’s largest annual food & beverage trade show. This year marked the 25th Anniversary of the event.

On the 16th February, 26 startups were invited to pitch under the them #rethinkingfood. The audience included F&B professionals, government officials, institutional investors, private offices, venture capitalists, tech enthusiasts and foodies.

These presentations were judged by the following judges for prize money.

It was an eventful day full of insight and learning from startups and entrepreneurs around the world including Eat App, FineDine Digital Menu, Sagana, Diabetic Chef, Foodics, Lunch:on etc. 

 (cutting food waste within the hospitality industry) , 

 (AI & blockchain platform to connect farmers to traders), 

 (delivering delicious, healthy, nutritious snacks).

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NutriCal was invited to pitch at Gulfood 2020's startup presentations, showcasing its impact on the F&B industry. The event brought together industry leaders, investors, and innovators to rethink the future of food.

NutriCal at Gulfood 2020

NutriCal was thrilled to be at the third edition of ExpoCulinaire which took place from 2-4 March 2021 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Emirates Culinary Guild organises this unique international trade show to bring together professionals from the HORECA sector including by not limited to Chefs, Pastry Chefs, Bakers, Cooks, F&B distributors, startups, food brands & manufacturers, catering companies etc. 

Aramtec, Alpro, IFFCO, NRTC, Barilla, Rak Porcelain, Unilever, Chefworks, Richemont Masterbaker, Barakat, Arla Pro, Veggie Tech, Healthy Farm were some of the participants.

ExpoCulinaire is the home of Salon Culinaire - and hosted the 23rd edition of the culinary competition.

His excellency Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, current Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Expo Centre Sharjah also an established individual of the Food Sector and Chef Uwe Micheal, President of Emirates Culinary Guild and a renowned chef had a great conversation with NutriCal founder Soniya Ashar about the future of food.

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Expo 2020

NutriCal showcased at ExpoCulinaire 2020, bringing nutrition analysis solutions to the HORECA sector. Discover highlights from the event, including key discussions on the future of food.

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