Análise qualitativa de ementas em escolas do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Introduction: The National School Feeding Program, existing in Brazil sets that all public schools provide adequate and free meals to students during the school year, to keep students properly fed into the class period. In order to ensure the quality of school menus a list of food allowed and restricted are registered with the National Fund for Education Development.Methodology: It was used in this study the Qualitative Assessment tool for the qualitative analysis of schools menus, which enables the verification of aspects related to nutritional and sensory quality. All menus implemented during the school year 2013 in public schools in the municipality of Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were analyzed. Food preparations were categorized according to the programs recommendations, into two types: recommended foods that must be provided 80 to 100% and controlled food, with maximum use of 20%. Results: It was observed that the recommended foods in the following categories: meat, fish and eggs; beans; vegetables; fruits and milk and milk products were offered in adequate amounts. However, the salads were offered 20-60% below recommendations, and have not been offered whole foods in spite of being recommended for school meals. Some foods exceeded the maximum percentage indicated for the menus, such as foods with added sugar; industrialized semi-ready, canned and dehydrated; breakfast cereals and biscuits. Conclusions: The menus for public schools in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, showed several positive aspects by offering properly the most groups of recommended foods. However, some controlled products were offered in excess, and could be replaced or reduced to improve the quality of the meals provided to students enrolled in these schools.