Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
New School Meal Regulations Target Deep-Fried and Sugary Foods
In a significant move to enhance school meal quality, the UK government has proposed new regulations in England that aim to eliminate deep-fried foods and limit high-sugar options. The plans seek to reshape school meals by introducing healthier alternatives, with fresh fruit replacing sugar-heavy treats for most of the school week. Schools will also no longer be permitted to serve unhealthy “grab and go” items such as sausage rolls and pizza daily.
Reactions from Educational and Political Groups
The Association of School and College Leaders endorsed the initiative to improve meal quality, emphasizing that supplementary funding would be vital to sustain the changes. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats highlighted the necessity of aligning meal funding with increasing expenses, while Reform UK criticized the government for overstepping in dietary control. The Green Party called the shift “a timely and overdue measure.”
“The government’s review of school food standards is a welcome step, but these reforms must be monitored and funded appropriately,” said Brad Pearce, national chair of the School Food People.
The Department for Education (DfE) asserts that the updates will result in millions of children receiving more nutritious meals each day. Current data reveals that over one-third of primary school students are overweight or obese, and tooth decay linked to high-sugar diets is the primary cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine.
Phased Implementation and Enforcement
Secondary schools will adopt a gradual rollout for certain aspects of the new guidelines, allowing time to adjust recipes, update menus, and train staff. The final school food standards are set to be unveiled this September, with full implementation beginning in September 2027. A robust enforcement framework will also be established to ensure compliance, including regular oversight of school practices.
Context and Funding Concerns
While the 2015 school food standards introduced fruit and vegetable mandates, reduced sugar in beverages, and prioritized wholegrain alternatives over refined carbohydrates, some head teachers have voiced worries about inconsistent adherence due to budget constraints. Additionally, a 2025 survey indicated that the actual cost of preparing a meal exceeds the £2.61 allocated to schools for free school meals by approximately 80p.
“Improving the quality of school food is something we wholeheartedly support,” said Tom Middlehurst from the Association of School and College Leaders. “However, the changes must be implemented in a practical way, with adequate funding to cover increased expenses.”
“From discussions with parents, head teachers, and school governors, I know many are concerned about the rising cost of food. The current funding often falls short, forcing schools to reduce portion sizes and compromise on meal quality,” noted Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson.
Alongside these measures, the DfE announced that children in England whose parents receive Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals starting September 2026. This change is expected to benefit 500,000 more students. Concurrently, over 500 new free breakfast clubs are set to launch this week, with per-student funding boosted from 60p to £1 to address cost challenges.
