Disney Cruises have announced a “Mickey Check” on meals served to kids on-board their cruise ships. The aim is to make children’s meals healthier, with meals only passing the check if they meet Disney’s Nutrition Guidelines concerning calories, salt, saturated fat and sugar.
Disney consulted with child health experts to come up with these dietary guidelines as part of their Disney Magic of Healthy Living commitment that started in 2006.
They wanted to make healthy foods more easily available to families. All they have to do is look for the Mickey Check symbol – a Mickey shape with a white check through it – next to the meal on the menu.
The Mickey Checks will be available on cruises, Walt Disney World, Disneyland resorts, Disney-licensed food products and recipes on Disney.com.
Ozer Balli, vice president of hotel operations for Disney Cruise Line said; “more and more families are looking for healthier options when they travel, and with Mickey Check, we’ve made it easy for them to identify these choices on our menus. Now, with the Mickey Check, our chefs are taking healthy food and making it fun and delicious for our youngest guests.”
A meal that has passed the Mickey check would include three or more nutritious food groups (such as fruit and veg, whole grains or lean protein) and not contain trans fats or much added sugar. Disney have also adjusted portion sizes so that kids aren’t eating more than they need!
Foods that aren’t as healthy will still be available – but won’t have the Mickey Check symbol next to them on the menu.
What do you think of the news?
Do you think other lines should be “checking” their food for kids? Or do you think that kids deserve a treat when they’re on holiday? Let us know in the comments below!
