Purpose: To empower students to develop healthier life styles, we developed and implemented school educational materials on food safety and nutrition. The curricula was adapted at different school levels, in collaboration with the respective teachers.
Methods: Development and implementation of school educational materials: 1) Foodborne outbreaks investigation data from 2009 to 2013, obtained at National Institute of Health (INSA), were compiled and analysed. This led to the identification of their risk occurrence and contributing factors. Good practices that elaborated the educational materials were scientifically evidenced. 2) The Portuguese Food Composition Table (FCT) edited and disclosed by INSA was used in order to learn how to assess nutritional intake and how to gain understanding of the consequences of food choices. 3) The developed materials aimed to highlight the importance of understanding the information contained in the labelling of foodstuffs, in order to make informed choices. Educational materials on food safety, nutrition, and labelling, adjusted for different educational stages, were prepared and disseminated on the INSA website and in schools near the selected teachers.
Results: Currently, FD prevention materials (a Guide for Consumer Good Practices, two slide presentations, one flyer and one questionnaire), are available on the INSA website and were presented to several teachers in the Lisbon area, to inform them about the importance of sharing this knowledge in their classes.
Significance: Education in healthier and safer food practices is crucial for the prevention of FD and to help students make better and more informed food choices. The understanding of the concepts and importance of all aspects of food safety and nutrition, from early stages and along all levels of undergraduate school, is the key to a healthier next generation of adults.