Deep-fried foods will no longer be a common feature on school menus as part of a major new health initiative. The move aims to replace unhealthy cooking methods with healthier alternatives, including fruit-filled desserts.
New guidelines proposed by government ministers will prohibit the use of deep-frying in schools and reduce the availability of fatty ‘grab and go’ items and sugary snacks. As part of the changes, every school lunch must include at least one or more portions of vegetables and salad. Additionally, desserts will need to contain at least 50% fruit.
The initiative is designed to address issues such as childhood obesity and tooth decay, and it has received support from health advocates. The government plans to introduce the first major overhaul of School Food Standards in over a decade, following data showing that one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese.
The reforms will eliminate deep-fried food from school menus and prevent schools from serving to-go pizzas and sausage rolls daily. Desserts like ice cream, waffles, and baked goods such as puddings and cakes will only be available once a week. However, these high-sugar treats must still contain at least 50% fruit, and there will also be a dedicated fruit-only dessert day.
Foods coated in breadcrumbs or batter will be allowed only once a week, meaning items like fish fingers and chicken nuggets can still be served if they are not deep-fried. Currently, schools can serve deep-fried options twice a week and only need to offer majority-fruit desserts twice a week.
The government’s proposals will also limit the frequency of side dishes cooked using fat or oil, such as chips and hash browns, to no more than twice a week. Cheese-based foods where dairy is the main ingredient, such as pizza and paninis, will also be restricted to twice a week.
Ministers hope to increase young people’s fibre intake by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into school lunches. Research indicates that only 9% of children aged 11 to 18 meet the target of eating five portions of fruit and vegetables daily.
There are growing concerns about excessive sugar consumption among children, with dental decay being the leading cause of hospital admissions for those aged five to nine.
Sample menus released as part of the proposals show what the new meals might look like. Students could be served dishes such as cottage pie with root-and-veg mash, Mexican-style burritos, jerk chicken with rice and peas, and spaghetti bolognese.
The changes will be subject to a nine-week consultation starting on April 13. Schools will be required to implement the new menu standards from September 2027. Secondary schools will initially be allowed to offer two portions of desserts or sweet treats per week, with this number reducing to one by 2028.
For further information, contact the news team via email at [email protected]. More stories like this can be found on the news page.
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