Healthier school menus - what schools need to know

For the first time, breakfast provision would be regulated. Schools would need to offer low sugar cereals, plain porridge or muesli, plus fruit or vegetables with fried foods, pastries, processed meats and sweet toppings banned. Fruit juice and juice based drinks would be removed completely. New sugar limits would apply to desserts, yoghurts and plant based alternatives, and this would mean spreads, honey or syrups would also be out. 

To address the lack of fibre, at least half of rice and pasta dishes would need to be wholegrain or higher fibre, all bread would have to meet minimum fibre levels, and vegetables or salad would be required with every main meal, along with fruit with desserts. Primary schools would need at least one “fruit only” dessert day each week. 

It is expected that schools may need a designated food lead governor and to publish menus online. Some changes, particularly in secondary schools, would be phased in up to 2028. 

While acknowledging the potential health benefits of these changes, there are concerns that the changes make food in school so vastly removed from food that young people are used to, that it becomes a potential barrier to access. For some young people who have issues around food, this may lead to further absence and disengagement.  

The consultation closes which close on 12 June can be accessed at: https://consult.education.gov.uk/school-food-policy-team/school-food-standards-updating-the-leg-framework/