English secondary schools breach healthy food standards, report finds

A new report by the food charity Bite Back has revealed widespread non-compliance with government nutritional standards in English secondary schools. An analysis of 391 state secondary schools found that three out of four menus contained at least one breach of established food standards.

According to the findings, 53% of the schools surveyed offered prohibited high-fat, sugar, or salt products—such as crisps, chocolate bars, and pastries—as snacks, sometimes even during breakfast time. The report also noted that 57% of schools provided meat products like burgers, nuggets, and sausages more frequently than the permitted twice-per-week limit. Additionally, 37% of schools served fried starchy foods like hash browns more often than allowed.

These breaches occur amid ongoing concerns regarding childhood obesity in the United Kingdom. While government efforts have sought to curb obesity by restricting high-fat foods and promoting fruit over sweets, the report suggests that many institutions are failing to meet these health mandates, potentially contributing to long-term public health challenges and rising medical costs.