News has developed about the FMHS cafeteria changing its menu. At a recent board meeting, the district has determined that two all-time favorites—paninis and cookies–will officially be removed from the school menu due to increasing health concerns.
The US Department of Health and Human Services have claimed that cafeteria food such as paninis and cookies are considered ultra-processed. These foods are industrial formations that contain numerous ingredients such as additives, emulsifiers, preservatives, and artificial flavors that aren’t typically derived from an ordinary kitchen.
According to Stanford Medicine, “High ultra-processed food consumption is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, depression, anxiety, cancer and mortality from all causes.”
This concern has led cafeteria staff to question the healthiness of such foods that are consumed almost everyday by FM students. In order to maintain the well-being and health of all FM students, the district has decided to remove paninis and cookies from its menu permanently and replace them with healthier alternatives such as more salads and fruit bowls. Foods like these are considered as minimally processed and are much less detrimental to adolescents.
FMHS principal, Mr. McNamara, refused to comment on this issue to The Buzz.
This change will take place at the end of the quarter, giving students one last week to enjoy the cafeteria’s cookies and paninis.
Happy April Fools’ Day, FMHS!
DISCLAIMER: While cookies and paninis are NOT being eliminated, the facts about ultra-processed foods mentioned are TRUE. This information has become increasingly relevant in recent years and multiple studies are being conducted to assess the dangerous effects of such foods. Paninis and cookies fall under this category too!
