Latvia Bans Junk Food Sales in Schools

By Associated Press

November 1, 2006, 10:31 PM CST

RIGA, Latvia -- A comprehensive ban on the sale of junk food in Latvia's state schools went into force Wednesday as part of the country's drive to improve children's diets.

European health experts have said Latvia is the first EU country to introduce a sweeping ban on junk food sales in public schools.

School shops and cafeterias in the country of 2.3 million will no longer be able to sell soft drinks, candy bars, potato chips and chewing gum. Items containing artificial flavorings and colorings will also be banned from sale in primary and secondary schools.

Officials said school children would still be able to bring junk food into schools, but the Health Ministry is hoping teachers will encourage pupils not to do this. As part of the program, the ministry will also promote healthy foods such as milk, juice and fruits.

The government adopted the ban in August based on reports from doctors that an increasing number of Latvian children were overweight and seeking medical help due to digestive problems.

Many school kids were skipping the cafeteria and using their lunch money to buy carbonated soft drinks and potato chips.

Latvia joined the EU in 2004. Many other EU member states offer a set of recommendations but have stopped short of prohibiting sales of junk food.