Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
New School Meal Standards Target Unhealthy Foods
Schools in England are set to eliminate deep-fried foods and limit sugary options as part of a plan to “overhaul” the nation’s school meal programs. The government’s proposal calls for fruit to replace “sugar-laden treats” for most of the school week, while “grab and go” items such as sausage rolls and pizza will no longer be available daily. This initiative aims to promote healthier eating habits among students.
Support and Concerns from Education Stakeholders
While the Association of School and College Leaders endorsed the move to enhance meal quality, they emphasized that sufficient funding would be “essential” to implement the changes effectively. The Liberal Democrats argued that meal budgets must align with rising costs to ensure meals remain both nutritious and satisfying for children. Meanwhile, Reform UK criticized the government for “trying to micromanage people’s lives,” suggesting the policy might not address the root causes of childhood obesity.
“The education secretary must urgently address this problem,” said Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson.
The Green Party welcomed the decision, calling it “welcome and long overdue.” The Department for Education (DfE) stated that the adjustments would result in millions of children receiving more balanced and nutrient-rich meals each day.
Health Statistics and Policy Context
According to the DfE, over one in three primary schoolchildren leave school overweight or obese, and tooth decay linked to high-sugar diets is the primary cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine. Under the revised standards, sweetened desserts will be limited to once a week, with a greater emphasis on incorporating more fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains into daily menus.
These measures mark the first updates to school food guidelines in a decade, following a pandemic-related delay. The new rules will apply to primary and secondary schools across England, with a phased rollout for secondary institutions to allow time for recipe development, menu updates, and staff training. The final standards will be unveiled this September, effective from September 2027.
Funding Adjustments and Additional Measures
Alongside the food standards, the government announced that children whose parents receive Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals starting in September 2026, expanding eligibility by 500,000 students. Over 500 new free breakfast clubs will also open this week, with funding increased from 60p to £1 per pupil to offset rising expenses.
Brad Pearce, national chair of the School Food People, praised the review but stressed the need for “monitored and funded appropriately” to prevent strain on school budgets. A 2025 survey revealed the real cost of preparing a meal is approximately £3.45, significantly higher than the £2.61 allocated to schools for free meal provision.
“Improving the quality of school food is something we wholeheartedly support,” said Tom Middlehurst from the Association of School and College Leaders. “The changes must be implemented in a practical way, including with additional funding to cover any increased costs.”
