Brazilian city creates new school menu to battle growing obesity levels

The term ultra-processed food can be defined as those made by industrial processing and that often contain additives such as colours, flavours, emulsifiers or preservatives. Typical examples include sugary drinks, cakes, ice cream, sweets and takeaway fried chicken.

According to research, one third of the children in Brazil are classified as obese. School students have been served traditional fruits and vegetables such as persimmons, yams and okra instead of ultra-processed foods.

Marluce Fortunato, nutritionist for the Rio city government, said: “Childhood obesity is an epidemic, not just in Brazil, but worldwide. It’s easier to educate young children. Once a person’s way of thinking is set, it’s a challenge to introduce new concepts.”