Italy against Russia proposal to ban pizza from school canteens

Italy has opposed a Russian proposal to ban pizza from school canteens, citing its popularity among youth. The proposal, supported by presidential advisor Elena Yampolskaya, claims pizza harms children's health and undermines traditional cuisine. Italian officials, including famous pizzaiolo Gino Sorbillo and Farm Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, defended pizza as a healthy option when made with quality ingredients. The Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) also supports pizza in schools, emphasizing the importance of ingredient quality and portion sizes. They suggest that a Margherita pizza can be a healthy lunch choice when served with vegetables and fruit.