SEOUL ~ South Korea will ban the sale of carbonated drinks, instant noodles and fried food at schools to counter growing obesity among students, officials said this week.

The ban will be in force in December at all elementary, middle, and high schools, the education ministry said.

The ministry plans to cut the obesity rate of students from 18.2 percent in 2005 to 15 percent in 2011 by removing sodas, instant noodles and fried food from snack bars and vending machines.

Next year the ministry will ask school cafeterias to provide detailed nutrition-related information for menus including the amount of proteins, vitamins, fats, and carbohydrates, a spokesman said.