The regulations apply to all food sold or provided at school a la carte lines, vending machines, school stores, events and fundraisers during the school day.
BOSTON — Massachusetts health officials have approved new school nutrition standards that supporters say could be among the toughest in the country and will help combat childhood obesity.
The state's Public Health Council adopted guidelines Wednesday that will limit foods students can buy during school hours.
The regulations ban sugared drinks and foods made with artificial sweeteners and require schools to provide nutritional information. They also limit the amount of fats and salt allowed in foods.
The regulations apply to all food sold or provided at school a la carte lines, vending machines, school stores, events and fundraisers during the school day.
Schools must begin enforcing some guidelines as early as August 2012.
A recent study ranked Massachusetts the fourth least obese state with an adult obesity rate of 22.3 percent.