Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
Deep-Fried Food Banned in New School Meal Regulations
England’s education department has unveiled plans to eliminate deep-fried foods and limit sugary items in school meal programs, marking a significant shift toward healthier options. Fruit will take the place of sweet, high-sugar snacks for most of the school week, while “grab and go” snacks such as sausage rolls and pizza will no longer be permitted daily. These measures aim to improve children’s dietary habits as part of a broader effort to revamp school food standards.
Support and Concerns from Key Stakeholders
The Association of School and College Leaders backs the initiative to elevate meal quality but highlights that extra funding will be crucial for its success. Meanwhile, Reform UK criticizes the government for overstepping, arguing that restricting food choices is an attempt to control daily life. The Green Party, however, welcomes the move, calling it a long-overdue step to reduce unhealthy options.
“Improving school food quality is something we wholeheartedly support,” said Tom Middlehurst from the Association of School and College Leaders. “But the changes must be implemented in a practical way, including with additional funding to cover any increased costs.”
The Department for Education claims the reforms will lead to more nutritious meals for millions of children. It notes that over a third of primary school pupils are overweight or obese, and tooth decay from high-sugar diets is the primary reason for hospital visits among children aged five to nine. Under the new rules, desserts with added sugars will be limited to once a week, and school menus will feature more fruits, vegetables, and wholegrain alternatives.
Consultation and Implementation Timeline
A nine-week public review of the proposals has been launched, with secondary schools adopting a staggered rollout for some changes. This approach allows time for recipe development, menu updates, and staff training. Final standards will be set in September 2025 and take effect from September 2027, accompanied by a robust system to ensure compliance.
“The education secretary must urgently address this problem,” stated Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson. “Many parents, teachers, and school governors in my constituency are concerned about rising food costs, which force schools to cut portions and lower meal quality.”
Previous guidelines from 2015 required schools to prioritize fruits and vegetables, limit sugar in drinks, and favor wholegrain foods over refined carbohydrates. However, some educators argue these standards are not consistently met due to budget constraints. The government has also announced that children with parents on Universal Credit will gain access to free school meals starting September 2026, expanding eligibility by 500,000 students.
Additionally, over 500 new free breakfast clubs will open this week, supported by increased funding per pupil from 60p to £1. Schools had previously expressed worries about financial strain, prompting the DfE to adjust allocations. Brad Pearce of the School Food People praised the review but urged proper monitoring and funding to sustain the changes effectively.