The municipal schools in Santos, located on the Atlantic coast of São Paulo, are set to implement a program providing lactose-free meals for students who are intolerant to lactose. This initiative, which has been sporadically practiced, will become mandatory beginning in July following the sanctioning of a new law on the 6th of October. Parents will need to inform the school about their child’s intolerant condition through a medical report.

The legislation ensures that differentiated meals will be available for lactose-intolerant students, allowing the city to take necessary steps for the acquisition and supply of lactose-free food products. This includes items that are either processed or prepared specifically for dietary needs. The municipal administration indicated that they have already initiated an electronic bidding process to purchase lactose-free milk, demonstrating their commitment to implementing the law.

As part of this new program, all schools catering to lactose-intolerant students will receive the necessary food items following the conclusion of the procurement process. This move is anticipated to benefit students who previously faced challenges accessing suitable meal options within the school environment, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that all students have access to appropriate nutritional resources that cater to their health needs.