School meals: Labour plans end to fish and chip Fridays

The government has proposed new School Food Standards that would ban deep-fried items and sharply restrict sugary desserts, requiring desserts to contain at least 50% fruit. The rules are scheduled to come into force from September 2027 with a phased introduction for secondary schools.

The government has proposed new rules for school meals that would remove deep-fried items and limit sugary desserts. Officials say this is the first major overhaul of School Food Standards in more than a decade and that it responds to rising concern about childhood overweight and tooth decay. Ministers presented sample menus and said schools would have time to phase in changes while monitoring and compliance are strengthened. Key points: - The Education Secretary described the package as an ambitious overhaul and ministers framed it as a response to rising rates of childhood overweight and tooth decay. - The plans would ban deep-fried foods from school meals and heavily restrict sugary desserts, requiring desserts to contain at least 50% fruit. - Implementation is scheduled from September 2027, with a phased approach for secondary schools and new rules such as online menu publication and a named governor responsible for food standards. Summary: Officials say the changes aim to shift school meals toward more fruit, vegetables and wholegrain options and to strengthen monitoring of what is served. The timetable calls for rules to take effect from September 2027, with phased rollout in secondary schools and additional compliance measures to be introduced.