The Nutritional Surveillance at school: experiences from ATS Val Padana (Italy)

Autor: M Chiesa, Gianmarco Troiano, J Merisio, F Mondini, O Orsini, M Mirelli, V Clasadonte, M Biazzi, A M Firmi, M L Cirrincione
Rok vydání: 2020
Předmět:
Zdroj: European Journal of Public Health. 30
ISSN: 1464-360X
1101-1262
DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.190
Popis: Background Correct habits acquired in childhood positively affect the future health of the adult person. Therefore the school meal isn't as a simple satisfaction of nutritional needs, but also an important moment of health promotion, which involves teachers and parents. Objectives In ATS Val Padana the Food Hygiene and Nutrition Unit evaluates school menu at the beginning of each year (including special diets for specific diseases that require diet therapy). During the school year, trained personnel carries out inspections in schools, according to annual planning. During the inspection are evaluated: - Presence/respect of the validated school menu Number of mealsPeople preparing and administering mealsFood preparation and storageLiking by childrenManagement of special dietsManagement of the meal as an educational moment Results 132 inspections were performed: 70 in 2018 and 62 in 2019. 23 (17.42%) were conducted in nursery schools, 62 (46.96%) in kindergartens, 44 (33.33%) in primary schools, 3 (2.27%) in middle schools. 47 (35.60%) were privately managed; 61 (46.21%) were also equipped with a kitchen for preparing meals. 41 inspections (31.06%) showed slight criticalities; 9 (6.81%) serious problems (poor hygiene, lack of control over special diets - which required further inspections). A statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.02) between 2018 and 2019, with a clear decrease in criticality in 2019. No difference in the results of the checks was observed in relation to the type of school, management, and to the presence or not of a kitchen (all p > 0.05). Conclusions The effectiveness of the control system is represented by the relationship between non-conformities detected during the checks and the number of performed checks. In 2019, despite the controls have increased compared to the previous year, the incidence of non-conformities has decreased. This indicates that control activities is positive to improve the quality of the school meal. Key messages The school meal is a fundamental educational moment for children. Control activities have positive impact on the quality of the school meal.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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