Products sold in school canteens of the municipality of Ribeirão Preto

Objective: To evaluate the types of products sold in school canteens of the municipality of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted from May to December 2014 with a convenience sample composed of five public primary schools and five private primary schools. A structured questionnaire containing a list of foods and beverages and variables related to the implementation of healthy canteens was applied to the person in charge of the canteen of each school. The classification of foods as healthy and unhealthy was based on the document “Os 10 Passos para a Promoção da Alimentação Saudável nas Escolas” (The 10 Steps to Promoting Healthy Eating in Schools) developed by the Ministry of Health and the São Paulo State Government. Results: In the private schools, there was greater support from a nutritionist, availability of education materials, advertising of processed foods and a greater number of healthy food options (81.7%). In the public schools, there was a restriction of certain unhealthy foods, but few options of healthy foods were available (25.0%); however, there was a greater participation of canteen workers in nutrition education activities and greater knowledge of specific legislation. The lack of interest of parents and students was identified as a hindrance to the implementation and operation of healthy canteens in schools. Conclusion: Both public and private school canteens did not fully follow the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the São Paulo State Government regarding the selling of healthy foods in the school environment, as they offered unhealthy foods. In addition, private schools offer more food options – both healthy and unhealthy – to students.