On October 1, 2025, a meeting was organized at the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography between representatives of the parents' committee and the director of the catering service company, Orynkul Amirgazina, nutritionist and candidate of medical sciences Svetlana Shaykenova, head of the medical service department Tatyana Latysheva, as well as the head of the educational work and social affairs department Sagynysh Sultanova.

Parents inspected the dining hall where students take their meals, evaluated the food service area for compliance with sanitary and hygiene regulations, reviewed the uniform and meal schedule according to the timetable, familiarized themselves with the four-week seasonal menu, and participated in the organoleptic assessment of the quality of the prepared dishes. During the meeting, issues concerning the principles and regime of proper balanced nutrition, the benefits of individual foods related to weight correction, which is very important for our Academy, were discussed.

Since September 1, 2025, a unified national standard for school meals has been introduced in schools across Kazakhstan. This standard was developed by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition with the support of UNICEF and WHO.

Key Changes in the Standard:

• Reduction of Harmful Products: Decreased content of salt and sugar; ban on fast food, sausages and smoked meats, carbonated drinks and sweet juices, and confectionery products.
• Increase in Healthy Products: The diet now includes more fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, and dairy products.
• Variety of Dishes: Repetition of the same dish on consecutive days is prohibited to diversify the diet.
• Quality Control: Each dish is accompanied by information on calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. An "inedibility index" has been introduced — the ratio of food leftovers to total food consumed, which helps assess satisfaction with meals. Control by school medical staff and tasting commissions (with parent participation) has been strengthened.
• Compliance with International Standards: The new standard is based on modern international requirements for healthy nutrition.
• Implementation Goals: Prevention of chronic diseases, improvement of concentration and academic performance, enhancement of overall nutrition quality and children's health.

Parents' Feedback Following the Meeting:

“On October 1st at 11:00, we participated as members of the tasting commission at the Academy of Choreography. The menu offered Turkish lentil soup, chicken ‘à la française,’ rosehip broth, and bread (white and rye). There were also vegetable slices and salads.

We would like to note that the food was tasty, served warm and not cold. The salt content was less than we are used to at home, but this is actually healthier for children. All dishes met the standards and were carefully prepared.

We liked that children could get seconds if they wanted, and the variety fully matched the declared menu. Overall, the meals left a pleasant impression — everything was organized professionally, delicious, and with care for the children’s health.”

Respectfully, parents of class 3 “B”

“On Ocober 1st at 11:00, as the parent committee of class 1A, we participated in the tasting commission at the Academy of Choreography. We were shown the dining hall where our children have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dining hall was very clean and tidy. Then we were taken to the kitchen where cooks and staff prepare food for our children. We were amazed.

Each room was designated for a specific task: a separate room for slicing bread, one for making dumplings, one for cleaning fish, one for preparing vegetable slices and salads, and one for washing eggs. All rooms were spotless, very clean. All staff were properly dressed, with caps and gloves.

We were truly impressed. Then we were shown the menu and given a chance to taste the dishes: first course, main course, salads, and rosehip broth. It was very tasty. The rosehip broth was something I’ve never tasted before—delicious, not sweet, no sediment, very pure.

All food was warm — not hot, not cold — just the right temperature for children. All meals were prepared with care and love. Children are given seconds, which pleased us. There are no restrictions on food, which is very reassuring. We are delighted and our hearts are happy knowing how lovingly and carefully our children are fed.”

Respectfully, parents of class 1 “A”

“On October 1st, Maiya Tulegenovna attended the tasting commission in the school cafeteria representing class 5 “V.” There were no complaints about organization or sanitary conditions: the cafeteria is clean, well-organized, and there are no foreign odors. The meals meet the standards and are of good quality for a school cafeteria. If children refuse or complain about food, it is likely due to personal eating habits rather than meal quality.

I would note that the buffet, with a wide selection of pastries and sweets, may reduce children’s appetite. As an additional convenience, displaying the monthly menu in advance could help parents plan their children’s snacks if the child refuses certain meals on a given day. Overall, the impression was positive: the food is simple and tasty.”

“My name is Aigul Fazylbayeva, mother of Arafat from class 4 “B.” Yesterday I attended a meeting with the head of the medical center and the Academy’s dietitian. We toured the cafeteria, were shown the lunch dishes, and got to taste them. I really liked the condition of the cafeteria — clean sinks at the entrance, order in the dining hall. It was also interesting to listen to the cafeteria manager, who explained in detail about product procurement, food preparation, and menu planning considering calories and vitamins.

I especially liked the soup and main dish, as well as the fresh vegetable slices and light salad. The cafeteria staff are very friendly, and it’s clear they care about the children. I also appreciated that fresh dumplings are handmade in the cafeteria kitchen. It was very interesting and useful to see firsthand how our children are served in the cafeteria and what they eat and drink. The head of the medical center also answered all questions about vaccinations. The cafeteria management promised to send a monthly menu, which is very convenient for parents when planning snacks if a child does not eat something on the menu on a particular day. Overall, I really liked this format of meeting and communication with parents.”

“Yesterday I was fortunate to participate in the tasting commission, and I would like to share my impressions. We were warmly and kindly greeted by Tatyana Mikhailovna, head of medical services. She thoroughly explained the rules and requirements for organizing student nutrition at the academy. After the introductory part, we proceeded to the cafeteria.

The cafeteria made a very pleasant impression: spacious, bright, and comfortable. The tables were neatly set and fully prepared to receive the children. The academy dietitian clearly and professionally explained how the lunch menu is formed and how calorie norms are taken into account. I especially want to highlight her high level of expertise and attention to detail.

The academy truly pays great attention to nutrition. We were also given a tour of the production area. The cafeteria manager showed us around, and we clearly saw how lunch preparation is organized. We were particularly impressed by the cleanliness and order at every stage of food preparation — even in rooms usually hidden from view. We saw separate zones for fish and meat cutting, salad preparation, and dumpling making. The kitchen staff worked efficiently, cohesively, and very kindly. It is clear that everyone is in the right place and performs their work with love.

At the end of the tour, we were invited to taste the lunch menu. Everything was tasty, filling, and aesthetically served. This meal truly deserves the highest praise. As a parent, I feel completely confident in the quality and balance of my child’s nutrition. The academy does everything possible to provide children not only with tasty but also healthy food. Huge thanks to all staff who treat this important task — organizing children's nutrition — with professionalism and care.”

“My name is Raihan, mother of Zere from class 4 “A.” On October 1st, I participated in the tasting event in the Academy of Choreography cafeteria. We tried salads, first course, main course, and a drink. I liked the taste and appearance of everything. It is clear that professionals work in the cafeteria. The menu was developed by a dietitian and approved by medical staff. I received answers to all parents’ questions from our class. Thank you.”

“On October 1st at 11:00, I participated in the tasting commission at the Academy of Choreography. The menu included Turkish lentil soup, chicken ‘à la française,’ rosehip broth, and bread (white and rye). There were also vegetable slices and salads. I want to note that the food was tasty, served warm, and not cold. All dishes met the standards and were carefully prepared. I liked that children could get seconds if they wanted, and the variety fully matched the declared menu. Overall, the meals left a pleasant impression — everything was organized professionally, delicious, and with care for the children’s health. The cafeteria staff were also friendly, neatly dressed, and all, which is important, wore head coverings and uniforms.”

Respectfully, parents of class 5 “B”