Most English secondary schools are breaking healthy food rules, finds report
‘Shocking’ breaches such as sweets and crisps at breakfast uncovered just before expansion of free school meals Three-quarters of secondary schools in England are breaking the rules on food offered to pupils by serving chips, burgers and hash browns too often – and sweets and crisps at breakfast time, according to a report. “Shocking” breaches of school food standards have been exposed on Monday,…
A recent report has revealed that the majority of English secondary schools are failing to adhere to healthy food regulations, according to Bite Back, a food charity founded by chef Jamie Oliver. The analysis of nearly 400 state secondary schools in England uncovered shocking breaches of school food standards, with three-quarters of the schools analyzed serving unhealthy options such as crisps, burgers, and hash browns too frequently.
The study found that 53% of schools offered products high in fat, sugar, or salt as snacks, even during breakfast and lunchtimes. Furthermore, 57% of schools provided meat products like burgers and nuggets more than the twice-per-week limit. Hash browns, which should only be served twice a week, were offered at 37% of the schools.
Only 2% of schools were found to be selling banned confectionery like KitKats and Haribo sweets, while 1% were selling sugary drinks. The report's chief executive, D’Arcy Williams, expressed alarm at the findings, stating that schools should be a sanctuary for health and learning. However, the upcoming expansion of free school meals for all pupils in households receiving universal credit may help improve the food situation for children.
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