Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
The Department for Education (DfE) has unveiled proposals to transform school meals in England by prohibiting deep-fried foods and limiting high-sugar options. These changes aim to enhance the nutritional value of school lunches, with fruit set to replace sugary treats for most of the school week. Schools will no longer be permitted to serve unhealthy “grab and go” items like sausage rolls and pizza daily.
These measures mark the first revision of school food standards in ten years, following delays caused by the pandemic. The new rules will apply to primary and secondary schools, focusing on improving children’s health and nutrition. A nine-week consultation period is underway to gather feedback on the proposals.
Support and Concerns from Educational Stakeholders
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) endorses the initiative to elevate the quality of school food but emphasizes the need for additional funding. The Liberal Democrats argue that meal funding should align with rising costs, while Reform UK criticizes the government for overstepping by “micromanaging people’s lives.”
“Cutting unhealthy food from school menus is a welcome and long overdue step,” stated the Green Party. Tom Middlehurst of ASCL added, “Improving the quality of school food is something we wholeheartedly support, but the changes must be implemented in a practical way, including with additional funding to cover increased costs.”
Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson, highlighted parental and educator worries about food expenses. “Many are concerned that current funding doesn’t meet rising costs, leading to smaller portions and lower-quality meals,” she said, urging the education secretary to act swiftly.
Funding Challenges and Practical Implementation
Funding remains a critical issue, with schools currently facing a shortfall of around 80p per meal. A 2025 survey revealed that the actual cost of preparing a meal is approximately £3.45, compared to £2.61 allocated by the government. Schools have also called for increased funding for free breakfast clubs, which will expand this week. The DfE has raised the per-pupil funding from 60p to £1.
The government plans a phased rollout for secondary schools to adapt to the new standards, including recipe development and staff training. A “robust” enforcement system will be introduced to ensure compliance with the updated guidelines.
Health Statistics and Policy Context
According to the DfE, over one-third of primary school children are overweight or obese, and tooth decay linked to high-sugar diets is the top reason for hospital admissions among children aged five to nine. The new rules will cap sweetened desserts to once a week and increase the inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains in meals.
Previous standards from 2015 mandated fruit and vegetable portions, reduced sugar in drinks, and prioritized wholegrain alternatives to refined carbohydrates. However, some head teachers noted these were not consistently enforced due to budget constraints. The expanded free school meal eligibility for Universal Credit recipients, effective September 2026, is also part of the broader effort to address food insecurity.
