Most English Secondary Schools Breach Healthy Food Standards, Report Reveals
A report has found that three-quarters of secondary schools in England are violating food standards, with unhealthy options frequently served.
By The Guardian
A report published on Monday has revealed that three-quarters of secondary schools in England are not adhering to established school food standards. The analysis, conducted by the charity Bite Back, founded by chef Jamie Oliver, examined the food provided at 391 state secondary schools and highlighted concerning trends in menu offerings.
The findings indicate that many schools are serving unhealthy foods, including chips, burgers, and hash browns, more frequently than permitted. Specifically, 206 schools were found to be offering snacks high in fat, sugar, or salt, including crisps and chocolate bars, during breakfast and lunchtime, despite regulations that allow only nuts, seeds, plain vegetables, and plain fruit as snacks.
Additionally, the report noted that 224 schools were serving meat products such as burgers and sausages more often than the twice-a-week limit set by the standards. Hash browns were offered more frequently than allowed at 144 schools, and 123 schools were using chocolate in solid form in desserts, which is also banned.
D’Arcy Williams, chief executive of Bite Back, expressed alarm at the widespread noncompliance with food standards, stating, "These findings are very alarming and expose a system that is fundamentally failing our children." He emphasised that schools should provide a healthy environment for learning, yet many are failing to do so.
However, the report also found that only eight schools (2%) were selling confectionery as standalone items, and just three schools (1%) were offering banned sugary drinks.
Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, voiced concerns about the implications of these findings, stating that schools should be a reliable source of nutritious food for children. She highlighted the need for a healthier food environment in schools, especially given the prevalence of unhealthy food options in society.
In response to the report, the Department for Education acknowledged that some schools do not comply with food standards. A spokesperson stated that the government is committed to ensuring children have access to healthy meals and is planning an overhaul of school food standards. This initiative aims to improve transparency and enforcement of food policies in schools.
As part of this effort, a significant expansion of access to free school meals will take place at the start of the new academic year, allowing all pupils from households receiving universal credit to qualify for free meals in England.