New menu sparks controversy at Swedish school over pork policy

A new nutritional policy at Östrabogymnasiet school in Uddevalla, Sweden, introducing pork into the daily menu, has sparked controversy among Muslim students. Despite a vegetarian option, many teenagers feel excluded and discriminated against.

At the beginning of September 2024, a new nutritional policy was introduced at Östrabogymnasiet high school in Uddevalla, Sweden, which has sparked controversy and strong opposition among Muslim students.

According to the new rules, the school must serve a meaty dish in the style of "Swedish home cooking" every day. Pork is part of the regular menu.

For students who, for religious reasons, cannot eat this meat, only a vegetarian option is left.

18-year-old Abdulhamid openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of a meat alternative for those who exclude pork from their diet.

It was a very sad decision for us, Muslims – he said.

Daniel, another student, expressed similar sentiments.

I think it's a bit racist and demeaning to those of us who do not eat pork for religious reasons – he added.

This policy, although approved by many parents and part of society, has also faced criticism, especially from students who feel their needs are not being sufficiently considered.

Martin Pettersson, chairman of the commune council from the Swedish Democrats (SD), who introduced the new policy, believes that the changes were necessary.

It is rare, as a municipal politician, to make a decision that receives such positive reactions as this one – Pettersson said, adding that the goal is to increase the number of students eating in the cafeterias.

Based on recommendations from the Swedish Food Agency, the new nutritional policy provides two options: meat and vegetarian, which, according to Pettersson, should be enough to meet the needs of all students.

However, for many, like Daniel, it is not enough.

It should be as it always was – pork for those who eat it, alternative meat for those who do not eat pork, and vegetarian for those who do not eat meat – he said, emphasizing that the vegetarian option does not provide enough protein for active students.

Despite the controversy surrounding the new regulations, Pettersson remains confident in his actions, stating that the number of satisfied students and parents has increased.

Not everyone is happy, that's impossible, but I have no doubt that we have significantly increased the level of satisfaction with school meals – he concludes, pointing to positive feedback from parents.