Children's food DGE quality standards should apply to all kindergartens

DGE quality standard to improve the nutrition of children
A well-balanced diet is particularly important for children, but the provision of day-care facilities often does not meet the requirements. The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) has therefore developed quality standards that the day-care centers can use to orient themselves. What positive effects the implementation of the standards has, according to the DGE report, the study "Catering in child day care facilities" (VeKiTa).

"In Germany, the care and food for children between the ages of 0 and 7 has changed drastically in recent years. Today, nearly three million children are cared for in day-care centers, and over 2 million receive lunch there," according to the DGE. In 2000, the number was still around one million children. The age group under 3 years is playing an increasingly important role. All in all, childcare plays a key role in childcare.

The DGE demands compliance with their quality standards in all kindergartens. (Image: Petro Feketa / fotolia.com)

Improved quality and higher satisfaction
According to the DGE, children's acceptance of healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits or even fish is the higher, the more often they come to the table. The "DGE Quality Standards for Children's Day Care" expressly mentions the broad use of these health-promoting foods. Kitas using the DGE standard in nutrition show improved luncheon quality and food satisfaction is rising, according to the DGE statement based on the results of the "Childcare Daycare" study. For the study, researchers from the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences had examined the quality of nursery care nationwide.

Mandatory implementation of DGE quality standards required
With the introduction of the DGE quality standard as the basis for the food, the diet in the day-care centers had become more varied and "more fresh food, more organic food and more regional products were used," reports the DGE. Vegetables, salads, fruits, low-fat dairy and fish were more frequently available, while meat and sweet foods were less common. This has a positive effect on the nutrient supply of the children. The DGE therefore demands "the binding implementation of the DGE quality standard in all kindergartens."

Often no catering concept available
In the DGE study, the weaknesses in the current catering in the day care centers have revealed. For example, 40 per cent of the day-care centers lacked a catering concept, ten per cent were in the process of preparation, and only 35 per cent were able to produce a concept that had been worked out accordingly. About 30 percent of the day-care centers use the DGE quality standards as the basis for their meals, which includes information on how to plan their menus, food choices or food preparation. It also provides practical assistance with the dining atmosphere, nutrition education and legal provisions, the DGE reports. The current study proves that "by using this instrument, a health-promoting catering offer is secured in the day-care center and the nutrition gains a higher status."

Deficits in the premises
According to the DGE, further deficits in many kindergartens constitute the premises and the equipment of the kitchens. Thus, only 16 percent would have a fully equipped kitchen with large kitchen appliances and more than half of the Kita kitchens would be equipped only with common household appliances. In just under 40 percent of the day-care centers, there is a specialist who can ensure the quality of meals for the different age groups - especially the under-3s - and hygiene. Here is at least a central office for nutrition and food at the carrier advised, if a day care center can not afford a specialist alone, the note of the DGE. (Fp)