The European Commission on Wednesday published its first ever report on school food policies, as part of work to reduce childhood obesity in Europe, a statement said.
The report shows that all 28 European Union member states have guidelines for food served in schools.
National measures aimed at promoting healthy diets in schools range from voluntary guidelines to complete bans, including on marketing, vending machines and sugar-sweetened drinks.
According to the report, restrictions or recommendations related to the availability of beverages are very common in member states, such as supporting free access to fresh drinking water and limiting or banning soft drinks.
European Commissioner for Health Tonio Borg said: "Nearly one in every three children in Europe is overweight or obese. Schools are important partners in our efforts to encourage children to develop healthy eating habits."
"This first assessment of school food policies is therefore an important contribution to our fight against obesity," he said.
European Commissioner Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, responsible for research, innovation and science, added: "This report provides a good basis for European policymakers, educators and scientists to investigate potential links between school food policies and public health, and evaluate the effectiveness of promoting healthy eating habits."
