(Image Source: AmazingRibs)

BY YUTAKA HAYASHI (TRANSLATION BY NOE GANDILLOT)

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Evidently ketchup goes with everything, except school lunches. The Daily Mail reports the French government will be limiting the amount of ketchup served in schools.

“Under the decree, school chefs must provide four or five dishes every day, including a main course, and a dairy product such as cheese. … Tomato sauce - and mayonnaise - will only be allowed with chips, and only once a week at that, and certainly not with traditional dishes such as roast veal.”

BFM TV explains the reasons behind this move.

“Firstly, the conditions in which kids were eating at school were not satisfying. Secondly, the school's trashcans were often fuller than the student's bellies. And thirdly, that we are facing an alarming increase in obesity and malnutrition.”

But the Telegraph says although it is associated with unhealthy foods, ketchup can actually help contribute to a nutritional diet.

“Far from acting as a barrier to making their child’s palate more sophisticated, ketchup serves as the bait. A little smudge of the child-friendly red goo on an unfamiliar dish quickly wins any infant round to the more subtle, worthwhile flavours within.”

But the ketchup cut-back could also have cultural motivations. TIME reports -- a French official is on the record as saying the new rules will help ensure quote “French children remain French.” And ketchup apparently -- ain’t French enough.

“Apparently, officials are concerned that children are starting to neglect French foods in favor of ‘US-style snacks.’”

Some in the media think the ketchup ban is a silly idea. SodaHead has a little fun with the legislation.

“First, French feminists wanted to get rid of the word ‘mademoiselle’ and now the country is banning ketchup in school cafeterias. Ketchup! Do they even realize how delicious that tomato-flavored sauce is? Just what do they think they're going to dip their French fries in!?”

But Death and Taxes says the U.S. could take a squirt or two from France.

“In America, we’ve taken the fattiest, least healthy foods from every culture and made it our own by adding more oil, corn syrup and 16 oz to each serving... France restricting Ketchup in schools would be like if America restricted French fries or yellow cheese Nachos in schools. Which would actually be a great idea.”

Under the new rules, French fries can only be served once a week. Students can, however, get unlimited amounts of bread.