The new regulation, applicable to hospitals and elderly residences, both public and private, establishes that a minimum of 80% of the vending machine offerings must consist of products deemed healthy. This measure aims to curb the consumption of ultra-processed foods, which has tripled in Spain over the last two decades.
Priority products must include water, milk, unsalted and unfried nuts, fruit juices, wholemeal breads and sandwiches, or sugar-free yogurts. The remaining 20%, if they are complex industrial formulations, cannot be placed in the central and most visible rows of the machines.
“"Eating is not and cannot be a mere formality; it is a dimension of our social and cultural life. Therefore, public institutions must develop measures so that the right to eat well is not a privilege."
In addition to vending regulation, the decree will promote the installation of free, potable water fountains in the facilities. The goal is to prevent visitors and companions, who often spend many hours in the centers, from having to purchase bottled water.
The regulation also mandates that hot beverages (coffee and tea) be dispensed without sugar by default, with the option for the user to add a maximum of five grams. Furthermore, ultra-processed foods will be eliminated from menus for children and adolescents, both inpatients and those using public cafeterias.
