Italy bridles at 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 food option. The Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) stated that pizza can be part of a healthy school menu if made with quality ingredients and appropriate portion sizes. They emphasized that pizza, like any traditional dish, can contribute positively to children's diets when prepared correctly.