Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners

Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinnersJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleHayley ClarkeEducation reporterGettyDeep-fried food will be banned and high-sugar items restricted in schools in England under new plans to "overhaul" school dinners.Under the government's proposals, fruit will replace "sugar-laden treats" for the majority of the school week, and schools will no longer be allowed to offer unhealthy "grab and go" options like sausage rolls and pizza every day.The Association of School and College Leaders said it supported improving the quality of school food, but said additional funding to pay for the changes would be "essential".The Liberal Democrats said funding for school meals needed to match rising costs, while Reform UK accused the government of "trying to micromanage people's lives".The Green Party said cutting unhealthy food from school menus was "welcome and long overdue". The Department for Education (DfE) says the changes will mean millions of children will get healthier and more nutritious meals at school each day.Currently, more than one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese, while tooth decay from high-sugar diets is the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged between five and nine, the DfE says.Under the new rules, sweetened desserts will be limited to once a week, and more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains will need to be added to school dinner menus.These are the first changes to the school food standards in a decade, the government says, after plans to revise them were delayed due to the pandemic.They will apply to primary and secondary schools in England, as part of efforts to improve children's health and nutrition.Brad Pearce, national chair of the School Food People, said he welcomed the government's review of the school food standards, but said they should be "monitored and funded appropriately&qu...