Plans to reform School Food Standards unveiled

The government has set out plans to reform School Food Standards - the first time in over a decade - and is launching a nine-week consultation on the changes.  
 
The new standards have been developed alongside nutritionists and public health experts and will apply to all breakfasts and lunches served by schools. 

Under the plans, schools will no longer be able to offer unhealthy ‘grab and go’ options like sausage rolls and pizza every day, while deep fried food will be banned completely. Fruit will also need to be served instead of sugar-laden treats for the majority of the school week.  

The government also plans to put in place a new national enforcement mechanism to monitor the new standards and ensure they are applied consistently. Full details will be announced this September, with enforcement in place from September 2027. 

The changes come as data shows that one in three children are leaving primary school overweight or obese, while tooth decay from diets high in sugar is the leading cause of hospital admissions for kids aged 5 to 9. What's more, parent polling revealed three quarters are concerned by the food their children are eating.     

The government also wants every school to appoint a lead governor to be responsible for school food, as well as asking every school to publish their food policy and menus online. 

There will be a phased approach for some changes in secondary schools – giving schools time to develop recipes, update menus and train staff. However, schools who are ready to adopt the new standards are encouraged to do so straight away.   

Stephanie Slater MBE, Founder and Chief Executive of School Food Matters: "This is a truly exciting moment for school food. Government’s move to update the school food standards will strengthen the extension of free school meals and the continued roll-out of universal primary breakfast clubs. This has the potential to revolutionise access to delicious, nutritious and sustainable food for children and young people across the country.

"We’re proud to be part of the School Food Project, working in partnership to help schools turn government ambition into reality. Through our Young Marketeers programme, we’ll introduce children to the joys of growing fresh fruit and vegetables, and our Nourish programme will support schools to take a whole school approach to food, creating lasting change in school food culture and putting children’s nutrition and wellbeing first."