Junk food suppliers have 'shocking' major presence at UK's biggest school food event
As the government prepares to introduce updated school food standards, an investigation by The BMJ finds that more than a third of the firms exhibiting at the UK's biggest school food show sell products high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS).
The UK's largest school food event is seeing a worrying prevalence of junk food suppliers, according to an investigation by The BMJ. Out of 137 exhibitors at The School Food People Show and Forum in Birmingham, 52 sold products high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS), such as hot dogs, pizzas, muffins, soft drinks and candy bars. This contradicts the upcoming government standards that aim to limit HFSS foods and replace them with healthier options.
The trade group organizing the event has received sponsorship from companies supplying pizzas, cakes, waffles and ice cream, further highlighting the industry's potential influence. Experts argue that the marketing of unhealthy foods at such events perpetuates an obesogenic environment, going against the proposed school food standards.
Catering companies face challenges due to the high profit margins of products like chocolate bars and soft drinks, which can help offset losses from more expensive, nutritious meals. The government plans to introduce new standards limiting deep-fried foods and certain snacks, but compliance monitoring and catering concerns remain. The findings reveal a significant contradiction between the industry's practices and the government's efforts to promote healthier school meals.
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