The government has set out proposals to overhaul school food standards, including banning deep-fried foods and removing fruit juice from menus.
The changes, published in a , are designed to bring the current standards in line with the latest national nutrition advice and tackle concerns about high sugar intake and poor diets among children.
Schools would have to offer more vegetables, wholegrains and pulses, while limiting processed foods, sugary desserts and sweetened drinks under the new proposals.
The Department for Education said the reforms are required as children are consuming “twice the recommended amount of free sugars”, while more than 90 per cent do not get enough fibre.
The proposals have received mixed feedback so far, with some experts raising concerns about the affordability of the changes for schools.
A to gather opinions across the sector. The consultation ends on 12 June.
Here are the key proposed changes:
Breakfast of plain porridge or muesli
Separate rules would apply specifically to breakfast provision for the first time under the proposals.
Schools would be required to offer cereal with less than 5/100 grams total sugar, no added sugar muesli and plain unflavoured porridge.
It would also include a portion of fruit or vegetables at breakfast.
Fried foods, pastries and processed meats would be banned, while toppings such as honey and chocolate spreads would not be allowed.
Only a limited range of drinks would be permitted, including water and milk, with stricter rules phased in for secondary schools by 2028.
More fibre in bread, puddings and pasta
Schools would have to increase fibre across menus by offering more wholegrains, fruit, vegetables and pulses.
At least half of rice and pasta would need to be wholegrain or higher-fibre varieties, while all bread would have to meet minimum fibre thresholds.
Pupils would also have to be offered vegetables or salad with every main meal, and fruit with all desserts.
Primary schools would be required to have a “fruit-only” dessert day at least once a week.
Fruit juice banned in sugar cull
The proposals also include significant restrictions on sugar in school food.
Fruit juice and juice-based drinks would be removed entirely from menus, while desserts and sweet baked goods would be limited.
Schools would also be banned from adding sugar, honey or syrups to food and drink.
Only a small number of drinks would be allowed, including water, milk and some low-sugar options in secondary schools.
New sugar limits would also be introduced for yoghurts and plant-based alternatives.
Salt and fat restrictions: less cheese
Deep-fried foods would no longer be permitted under the new rules.
There would also be tighter limits on how often foods such as processed meats and battered products can be served.
Cheese-based meals would be restricted, and snacks would be limited to fruit, vegetables and plain crackers.
Changes to protein definition
Schools would be given greater flexibility in meeting protein requirements.
Pulses would be formally recognised as a protein source alongside meat and poultry.
However, vegetarian products marketed as meat alternatives would be restricted in how often they can be served.
Tighter rules on drinks
Free drinking water would remain a mandatory requirement at all times.
Primary schools would be restricted to water and milk-based drinks only.
Secondary schools would move to a stricter list by 2028, including sugar-free flavoured water and low-sugar drinks, as well as tea and coffee without added syrups.
Standards apply to ‘grab-and-go’ food
The standards would be applied more consistently throughout the school day, including “grab-and-go” items.
All savoury grab-and-go food would need to include vegetables or be served with salad.
New rules would also set out what can be included in meal deals to ensure they meet nutritional requirements.
Greater accountability
Schools could be required to appoint a lead governor responsible for food.
Settings would also be expected to publish their food policies and menus online to improve transparency.
The DfE has that comply with the new food standards, including meals such as Mexican burritos, roast salmon with asparagus and jerk chicken with rice and peas.
Phased rollout for secondary schools
Some changes, particularly around drinks, desserts and cheese, would be phased in for secondary schools.
This is intended to give schools more time to adapt, particularly where “grab and go” food would present challenges.
