Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
Deep-fried Food Banned in New School Meal Regulations
England’s government is set to implement updated school meal standards, which will see the elimination of deep-fried items and the restriction of high-sugar foods. These changes aim to enhance the nutritional value of meals served in schools, with fruits replacing sugary snacks as the primary offering for most school days.
Government Proposals and Goals
Under the new framework, schools will no longer be permitted to regularly serve unhealthy “grab-and-go” options such as sausage rolls and pizza. The Department for Education (DfE) claims the reforms will ensure millions of children receive more balanced and nutritious meals daily. The updates represent the first major shift to school food guidelines in ten years, delayed by the pandemic.
Political Responses and Concerns
While some groups have endorsed the changes, others have raised concerns. The Association of School and College Leaders acknowledged the need to improve meal quality but emphasized that adequate funding would be “essential” to support the transition. The Liberal Democrats highlighted the necessity of aligning meal budgets with inflation, while Reform UK criticized the government for “micromanaging people’s lives.” The Green Party, however, praised the move as “welcome and long overdue.”
“Improving the quality of school food is something we wholeheartedly support,” said Tom Middlehurst of the Association of School and College Leaders. “But the changes must be implemented in a practical way, including with additional funding to cover increased costs.”
Additional measures include expanding free school meal eligibility for children whose parents receive Universal Credit, starting in September 2026. This follows a recent policy update expected to benefit 500,000 more students. The DfE also announced the opening of over 500 new breakfast clubs, with per-pupil funding increased from 60p to £1 to address rising expenses.
Implementation and Enforcement
A nine-week public consultation on the proposals has been launched, with the final standards to be released in September 2027. Secondary schools will undergo a phased rollout to allow time for recipe development, menu updates, and staff training. A “robust” enforcement system will also be introduced to ensure compliance with the new rules.
“The education secretary must urgently address this problem,” stated Munira Wilson, a Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson. “Many are worried about the rising cost of food, and the current funding just isn’t enough, forcing schools to cut portion sizes and compromise on quality.”
Previous standards from 2015 included requirements for fruits and vegetables, limits on sugary drinks, and a focus on wholegrains over refined carbohydrates. However, some school leaders reported difficulties in adhering to these rules due to budget constraints. A 2025 survey revealed the actual cost of preparing a meal averages £3.45, exceeding the £2.61 allocated to schools for free meals by about 80p.
