Consultation on school food standards launched

The Government has launched a consultation on updating the School Food Standards to reflect the latest nutrition guidance.

The proposals include removing deep‑fried foods, reducing high fat, salt, and sugar options, and increasing the amount of fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains available on school menus.Currently, around one in three children are leaving primary school overweight or obese, while tooth decay, caused largely by diets high in sugar, remains the biggest cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine.

Sarah Muckle, our Policy Lead for Children and Young People and Director of Public Health for Essex, said:

“Every child and young person deserves to grow, learn, and play in an environment that supports their health. Yet too many of the foods most easily accessible to them are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats that drive up the risk of preventable illnesses and affect long‑term health, place strain on families, and add pressure to our already stretched health services. Updating these standards is an important step towards changing that. By making the healthier options the most accessible and appealing choices, we can create school environments that support children’s wellbeing and have a lasting impact, helping them to learn and engage in their communities.”