Comercialização de alimentos em escolas de Itaqui – RS: adequação à legislação

Abstract

Knowing the food marketing in public county schools and their compliance to Law 13.027 of August 18th, 2008. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted in six public county schools from Itaqui/RS. Interviews with those responsible for the food marketing were conducted, and a checklist of mandatory legislation items was applied. Data were collected between June and July, 2014. Results: Half of the schools have canteens working in accordance, while the other half markets the food informally. The administration of the food marketing was conducted by the school administration in 50% of the schools, by private enterprises in 33% of the schools, or by senior students in 17% of the schools. There are no well stablished criteria concerning the choice of food to be marketed and lack of legislation knowledge among the vendors. Processed food and with low nutritional value are marketed in all schools. Offer of healthier products like fruits, salads, fresh juice, and sandwiches, was not evident. Conclusion: The schools are still not adequate to the Law 13.027/2008. For them to adapt it is needed greater oversight on the food trading within the schools, both by the state and municipalities. In schools could be included in the pedagogical project activities that address the subject of healthy eating, as well as promoting dialogue with families about this subject. It is suggested that schools work together with the public administration and families to promote the quality of the students eating habits.