Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
New School Meal Regulations Target Deep-Fried and Sugary Foods
The UK government in England is set to introduce new policies that will eliminate deep-fried foods and limit high-sugar options in school meals, aiming to revamp the nation’s school lunch programs. Schools will no longer be able to serve unhealthy “grab-and-go” items like sausage rolls and pizza daily, with fruit replacing sugary snacks for most of the school week.
Funding and Political Reactions
The Association of School and College Leaders backs efforts to improve meal quality but highlights the need for extra financial support to implement the changes. Meanwhile, Reform UK criticizes the plan as an overreach, arguing it reflects the government’s attempt to control everyday food choices. The Green Party, however, calls the restrictions “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 any increased costs.”
Health Impacts and Enforcement
The Department for Education (DfE) claims the reforms will provide millions of children with healthier, more nutritious meals daily. Currently, over a third of primary school pupils are overweight or obese, and tooth decay from high-sugar diets leads hospital admissions for children aged five to nine. Under the revised rules, sweetened desserts will be limited to once a week, with a greater emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains.
These updates mark the first major changes to school food standards in ten years, delayed by pandemic-related challenges. The new measures apply to primary and secondary schools, with a phased rollout for certain adjustments to allow time for recipe development, menu updates, and staff training. A robust enforcement system will monitor compliance with the standards.
Previous Standards and Cost Concerns
Earlier food guidelines from 2015 mandated fruit and vegetable portions, capped sugary drinks, and promoted wholegrain foods over refined carbohydrates. However, some head teachers note these standards are often unmet due to budget constraints. Brad Pearce of School Food People praised the review but urged proper monitoring and funding.
“From talking to parents, head teachers, and school governors in my constituency, I know many are worried about rising food costs,” Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson, stated. “The current funding just isn’t enough, forcing schools to reduce portion sizes and lower meal quality.”
Alongside the dietary changes, the government will expand free school meal eligibility for children of parents on Universal Credit starting September 2026. Over 500 new breakfast clubs will open this week, with funding for these programs increased from 60p to £1 per pupil after schools highlighted cost concerns.
Financial Gap and Long-Term Goals
A 2025 survey revealed the actual cost of providing a meal is around £3.45, approximately 80p higher than the £2.61 allocated to schools for free meals. The DfE emphasizes that the final standards will be announced in September 2025, taking effect from September 2027. The consultation period, lasting nine weeks, aims to gather feedback before finalizing the plan.
