The changes come as official statistics show around one in three children leaves primary school overweight or obese, and tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for youngsters aged five to nine. The new standards, developed with help from health experts and nutritionists, are part of a broader effort to improve children's health through better nutrition. Key restrictions target unhealthy foods directly.
Certain foods will be banned from school menus, though the specific items beyond deep-fried options and sugary treats have not been detailed. Sugary treats will be limited, and schools will no longer be able to offer unhealthy 'grab and go' options such as sausage rolls and pizza every day. Desserts like ice cream and waffles, and baked goods such as puddings and cakes, will be served only once a week under the new rules.
Specific rules govern desserts, baked goods, and fried sides. Desserts and baked goods must contain at least 50% fruit, though the exact nutritional criteria for this requirement are unclear. Sides cooked using fat or oil, such as chips and hash browns, are to be served no more than twice a week.
Despite the proposed ban on deep-fried food, breadcrumb-coated or batter-coated options like fish and chips will still be permitted once a week. A 'phased' approach is being proposed for secondary schools, allowing them to offer two portions of desserts or sweet treats a week from September next year, reducing to one by 2028, but the detailed structure of this phase-in remains unspecified. Positive menu requirements emphasize healthier options.
Fruit will need to be served for the majority of the week instead of sugary treats, and each dish must be accompanied by one or more portions of vegetables and salad. Sample menus include mains such as cottage pie with root-and-veg mash, Mexican-style burritos, jerk chicken with rice and peas, and spaghetti bolognese. The new standards aim to increase fibre intake by ensuring more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains are on offer.
Implementation details involve a consultation process and transparency measures. The proposals are being put to a nine-week consultation starting on Monday, and each school will be asked to publish their menus online to help boost compliance, though how enforcement or monitoring will work is not yet defined. According to the Department for Education, the new standards will apply to all breakfasts and lunches served in schools.
Context and support highlight the update's significance and backing. The new standards are the first since 2014 and have been developed with help from health experts and nutritionists. They are backed by actress Dame Emma Thompson, Leon co-founder Henry Dimbleby, and chef Tom Kerridge.
Political promotion and unknowns remain. Sir Keir Starmer will promote the plans on a visit to Greater Manchester on Monday, April 13. Key uncertainties include what specific foods are banned beyond those mentioned, how compliance will be enforced, the exact criteria for the 50% fruit rule in desserts, the total budget for implementation, and the detailed structure of the secondary school phased approach.