Education and Science, Foodstuff, Latvia, Markets and Companies

She noted that all sides have come to an agreement that frankfurters can be served once every two weeks, but only if they contain 70% meat and have no flavor enhancers.

The new regulations also stipulate that menus may not include French fries, frozen dumplings, meat balls, fish fingers, meat-based products and canned goods, but soup concentrates, bullion-cubes and cream-based products cannot be used in the meal preparation process, as well as several fats.

VM plans to determine the nutritional value and calories of meals, and the regulations will provide that cereals, vegetables, fruit, and protein-rich products - meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products are advisable.

Straume also rejected the concern that the new regulations will make school meals more expensive, as many entrepreneurs have said to VM. "The stereotype that healthy eating costs more is wrong," believes Straume, adding that there are caterers who are already working within the new regulations.

Currently, the project is not ready to be announced at the state secretary meeting because final coordination is necessary, for example, with the Latvian Association of Doctors. The new regulations could become effective next September.

Changes in the project are still possible, if substantial objections are received, said Straume.