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 plans to reform school meals in England by banning deep-fried foods and limiting high-sugar items. These changes aim to improve the nutritional value of school meals, with fruit replacing sugary snacks for most of the school week. Schools will no longer be permitted to serve unhealthy “grab and go” options like sausage rolls and pizza daily.
Political Reactions to the Proposed Changes
The Association of School and College Leaders endorsed the initiative to enhance meal quality but emphasized that extra funding would be crucial to support the transition. The Liberal Democrats highlighted the need for funding to keep pace with rising food costs, while Reform UK criticized the government for imposing too much control over dietary choices.
“Funding for school meals needs to match 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,” remarked a Reform UK spokesperson. “It just removes a few options, not addressing the root causes of unhealthy eating habits.”
Health Impacts and Implementation Details
According to the DfE, the reforms will lead to healthier, more nutritious meals for millions of children daily. Data reveals that over one-third of primary school pupils are overweight or obese, and tooth decay from high-sugar diets is the primary reason for hospital visits among children aged five to nine.
The new standards will cap sweetened desserts to once a week and require increased inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These are the first updates to school food guidelines in ten years, delayed by the pandemic. The rules apply to both primary and secondary schools, part of broader efforts to boost children’s health and nutrition.
Secondary schools will adopt a phased rollout for some changes, allowing time to develop recipes, update menus, and train staff. The final standards will be released in September 2025, with full implementation starting in September 2027. A new enforcement system will monitor compliance with the regulations.
Historical Context and Cost Challenges
Previous guidelines from 2015 mandated fruit and vegetable portions, restricted sugar in drinks, and prioritized wholegrain foods over refined carbohydrates. However, some headteachers noted that these standards were not consistently met, often due to budget constraints.
Last summer, the School Food People urged the government to increase funding for free school meals to prevent schools from using core budgets to cover shortfalls. A 2025 survey found that the actual cost of providing a meal was around £3.45, significantly higher than the £2.61 allocated per student.
Tom Middlehurst of the Association of School and College Leaders stated that improving meal quality is “something we wholeheartedly support,” but stressed the need for practical implementation with adequate financial backing.
Additional Support Measures
Starting in September 2026, children in England whose parents receive Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals, expanding access for 500,000 more students. Concurrently, over 500 new free breakfast clubs will open this week, with funding per pupil rising from 60p to £1.