Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
Healthy School Meals to Be Introduced in England
Under proposed changes, deep-fried foods will be removed from school menus in England, while high-sugar items will face tighter limits. The initiative aims to transform school meal programs by prioritizing nutritious options. Fruit will replace sugary treats for most of the school week, and daily offerings of unhealthy “grab and go” snacks like sausage rolls and pizza will no longer be permitted.
Industry and Political Reactions
The Association of School and College Leaders endorsed the effort to elevate food quality but highlighted that increased funding is crucial for its success. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats emphasized the need for funding to keep pace with inflation, while Reform UK criticized the plan as an overreach in regulating personal choices.
“The government needs to ensure that free school meals funding matches the rising costs, ensuring every child receives a healthy and filling meal essential for their education,” said Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson.
“Banning foods from school menus won’t solve childhood obesity,” a Reform UK spokesperson stated.
The Green Party welcomed the measures, calling them “welcome and long overdue.” The Department for Education (DfE) claims the reforms will deliver healthier, more nutritious meals to millions of children daily, addressing concerns about obesity and dental health.
Health Statistics and Reforms
Current data reveals that over one in three primary schoolchildren are overweight or obese, and tooth decay from excessive sugar consumption is the leading cause of hospital visits for children aged five to nine. The new guidelines will restrict sweetened desserts to once a week and require greater inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains in meal plans.
These adjustments represent the first major revision to school food standards in ten years, delayed by the pandemic. They will apply to both primary and secondary schools, with the goal of improving children’s overall health. Secondary schools will adopt a phased rollout to allow time for recipe development, menu updates, and staff training.
Funding and Implementation
The finalized standards are expected to be announced in September, with full implementation starting in September 2027. A robust enforcement system will be introduced to verify compliance, including regular inspections of schools. Brad Pearce, national chair of the School Food People, praised the review but stressed the importance of proper monitoring and financial backing.
Earlier guidelines from 2015 included fruit and vegetable requirements, limited sugar in drinks, and encouraged wholegrain foods over refined carbohydrates. However, some headteachers noted that these standards are not consistently met, often due to budgetary constraints. The DfE also announced that over 500 new free breakfast clubs will open this week, with funding per pupil increased from 60p to £1 to address cost challenges.
Last summer, the School Food People urged the government to boost funding for free meals, preventing schools from using core budgets to fill the gap. A 2025 survey found that the actual cost of preparing a meal is about £3.45, which is 80p more than the £2.61 allocated to schools. Tom Middlehurst of the Association of School and College Leaders supported the move, stating, “Improving the quality of school food is something we wholeheartedly support. The changes must be implemented in a practical way, including with additional funding