There is room for improvement in meals being offered at office canteens.

A Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM) working group asserts that canteen food contains excessive levels of saturated fat and salt, and does not contain enough vegetables and fibre. They claim that the quality of meals is poor because catering companies keep costs down.

The working group has drawn up nutritional guidelines for main courses and side dishes, which it hopes will make meals better reflect dietary needs. Canteens should feature at least one meal a day that meets the criteria. The fulfillment of nutritional recommendations should also be a prerequisite in canteen special offers, at the point when catering services and foods are purchased.

The working group recommends that public-sector dining services be opened up to the unemployed, as well as other diners outside the labour market.

Aannu Marjanen – STT
Matthew Parry – HT
Lehtikuva - Mario Anzuoni