Dubai launches ‘My School Food’ with AI chatbot Ghalia to boost nutrition for 400,000 students | World News – The Times of India

Dubai transforms school meals with new AI nutrition platform / AI Generated IllustrationDubai is leveling up student wellness with a massive, tech-driven initiative aimed at revolutionizing school meals and fighting childhood health issues. Spearheaded by Dubai Municipality (DM), the new “My School Food” digital platform is much more than a website; it is an entire ecosystem designed to ensure every child across the emirate eats healthier, safer food.Why is Dubai targeting school plates?This landmark initiative, unveiled during the 19th Dubai International Food Safety Conference, is a strategic response to widespread health concerns, including high rates of childhood obesity and lifestyle disorders. The goal is clear: to foster sustainable, healthy eating habits from a young age and support children’s physical and cognitive development.The program’s scale is ambitious. It targets more than 400,000 students across over 500 educational institutions, including schools, nurseries, and universities.Critically, it also brings more than 50 school food suppliers and caterers under a single, rigorous regulatory umbrella. By transforming the food environment in educational facilities, Dubai aims to create a new, long-term standard for student health.What is “My School Food”?Dubai Municipality has launched a digital platform called My School Food to raise the standard of meals served in schools and teach students healthy eating habits.The platform bundles menu approval tools, nutrition guidance, e-learning for pupils, and dashboards for schools, parents and suppliers so every stakeholder can track meals and compliance.The new menu rulesThe most visible change for students and parents is the introduction of stricter, evidence-based nutritional guidelines enforced via the Smart Food Choices System. This system categorizes foods using a clear, color-coded structure to nudge everyone toward healthier decisions:Food CategoryColor CodeStatusExamplesEncouraged DailyGreenPromote access and consumptionFresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, water, low-fat milk.Allowed OccasionallyYellowConsume in controlled portionsFoods that can be included with moderation and portion control.RestrictedRedLimited/Rare consumption onlyFoods that are high in specific fats or sugars.Banned EntirelyBlackStrictly prohibited from canteensDeep-fried foods, heavily processed snacks, high-sugar beverages.The detailed guidelines go beyond color-coding, demanding that schools and suppliers adhere to strict rules on:The 2025-2026 academic rolloutDubai’s ‘My School Food’ platform marks a monumental shift towards prioritizing student health through technology and strict standards.The initiative is already active, covering over 400,000 students and 500 educational institutions. While the digital tools and monitoring are immediately available, the most critical changes, full adherence to the new, stricter color-coded nutritional guidelines, will be systematically phased in throughout the 2 Read More