Dubai Enhances School Food Safety with Digital Monitoring and Inspections

  • 04/09/2025

Dubai Municipality has reinforced its commitment to public health by implementing enhanced food safety measures across all educational institutions, including schools, nurseries, and kindergartens, for the 2025 academic year. These initiatives include systematic field inspections of school canteens, complemented by daily digital monitoring via the ‘DM Checked’ platform. This system ensures transparency and compliance by tracking canteen performance and approving menus in accordance with Dubai’s nutritional and safety standards.

A dedicated team of five food safety inspectors oversees 456 educational institutions annually, supported by the Applied Nutrition and Awareness Section. This section provides essential training for canteen staff and nutrition officers, while also conducting student awareness sessions on healthy eating, safe food habits, and reducing food waste. Canteens are required to adopt the Smart Food Choices System, which categorizes food into four color-coded groups to promote healthier options like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk.

Beyond food-related checks, the Municipality conducts comprehensive assessments of school facilities, including ventilation systems, swimming pools, and water supply networks. Regular reviews of maintenance reports—such as water tank cleaning and sterilization—are performed, along with checks on school uniform standards. Non-compliant establishments face strict actions, including product withdrawals and mandated corrections. Through a blend of inspections, technology, and education, Dubai Municipality aims to foster a safe, healthy, and sustainable school environment for all students.

Related News