UK Overhauls School Food Rules to Tackle Child Obesity

2:10 AM ETDeveloping

Politics Desk

In Short: The UK is overhauling school food rules, banning deep-fried foods and increasing fresh produce, as part of a 'once-in-a-generation' shake-up aimed at improving children's health.

The UK government is overhauling school food rules, banning deep-fried foods and increasing fresh produce, as part of a 'once-in-a-generation' shake-up aimed at improving children's health. The changes, which will come into effect from 2027, are part of a broader effort to tackle childhood obesity and support children's concentration and learning.

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) welcomed the changes, hoping they would not become 'another stick with which to beat head teachers.' Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the reforms would 'transform school food for children across the country.

The new rules will require schools to publish food policies and menus online, with monitoring arrangements to be developed alongside the Food Standards Agency. Pepe Di'Iasio, ASCL general secretary, said parents would feel 'reassured' that schools were providing children with a healthy diet. He also called for more investment in catering facilities and the 'professional development' of school chefs to develop menus that meet the government's ambitions.

At Oasis Blakenhale in Birmingham, principal Farzana Ahmed welcomed the changes, noting that the school was already providing a healthy, balanced diet. With free school meal eligibility expanding to all families who receive Universal Credit, Ahmed expects around 70% of pupils to benefit, lifting a 'burden off the shoulders' for working parents like Kinza Butt, whose son now receives free school meals.

What's still developing

There will be a boost for fresh fruit and vegetables and deep-fried food will be banned in what the government has called the biggest shake-up to school dinners in England in over a decade.
Ahmed said it was "important" that schools are monitored, but added that they "probably need some more guidance from the government on what that's going to look like on a day-to-day basis".
Under new school food standards, fibre and wholegrains will also be increased, and breakfast clubs will have to follow nutrition rules for the first time, with schools also being monitored.
As part of the new framework, sweet desserts, like cake, will be reduced from a regular lunch offer to twice a week in secondary schools, and once a week in primary schools.

Sources

lbc.co.uklink