England to overhaul school food standards to combat obesity

The UK government has announced a major overhaul of school food standards in England, marking the most significant update to school meal regulations in over a decade. The reforms aim to combat childhood obesity and dental decay by restricting deep-fried foods, sugary desserts, and processed meats.

Under the new guidelines, sweet desserts like cake will be limited to twice a week in secondary schools and once a week in primary schools, and must be served with fruit. Processed meats, such as sausages and chicken nuggets, will be restricted to once a week and must include a side of vegetables or fruit. The framework also mandates an increase in fiber and wholegrains, requiring menus to feature items like pulses, chickpeas, or lentils at least once a week.

To ensure compliance, schools will be required to publish their food policies and menus online. The Department for Education plans to develop monitoring arrangements in collaboration with the Food Standards Agency. While the changes are set to take effect in 2027, secondary schools have until September 2028 to implement certain adjustments. The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) welcomed the nutritional improvements but cautioned that enforcement should not become “another stick with which to beat head teachers.”