Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
New School Meal Regulations Target Unhealthy Options
England’s government has proposed new regulations to transform school meal programs by eliminating deep-fried foods and limiting high-sugar options. The plan aims to replace “sugar-laden treats” with fresh fruit for most of the school week, while banning daily “grab and go” items such as sausage rolls and pizza. This marks the first update to school food standards in over a decade, following delays caused by the pandemic.
Support and Criticism from Key Groups
While the Association of School and College Leaders backs the initiative to enhance meal quality, they stress that additional funding is “essential” to support the transition. The Liberal Democrats argue that meal budgets must align with rising costs, and Reform UK criticizes the plan as an overreach, calling it an attempt to “micromanage people’s lives.”
“The government needs to ensure that free school meals funding matches the rising costs, ensuring every child receives a healthy and filling meal essential for their education.”
The Green Party welcomed the changes, calling them “welcome and long overdue.” According to the Department for Education (DfE), these reforms will provide millions of children with more nutritious meals, addressing issues like obesity and tooth decay, which are leading health concerns for young students.
Implementation and Compliance Measures
Secondary schools will adopt a phased rollout for certain changes, allowing time to adjust recipes, menus, and staff training. The final standards will be announced in September 2025, with full implementation beginning in September 2027. A “robust” enforcement system will monitor adherence, including regular checks on school compliance.
Previous Standards and Funding Challenges
The 2015 school food guidelines emphasized fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains while reducing refined carbohydrates. However, some head teachers reported difficulties in following these rules due to financial constraints. A recent 2025 survey revealed that the actual cost of a meal is about £3.45, nearly 80p higher than the current £2.61 allocated per student for free meals.
“From talking to parents, head teachers and school governors in my constituency, I know that many are worried about the rising cost of food, and in many cases the current funding just isn’t enough, forcing schools to provide smaller portion sizes and poorer quality food.”
Expanding Access to Free Meals
Alongside the dietary changes, the government announced that children with parents on Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals starting September 2026. This follows a 2024 policy shift expected to benefit 500,000 more students. Additionally, over 500 new free breakfast clubs will open this week, with funding for these programs increased from 60p to £1 per pupil after schools highlighted cost concerns.
Industry Response and Future Steps
Brad Pearce, national chair of the School Food People, praised the review but urged “monitoring and funding appropriately” to sustain improvements. A nine-week consultation on the proposals is now underway, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback. The DfE emphasized that these updates aim to tackle childhood obesity and reduce dental health issues linked to excessive sugar consumption.
