one in three children are leaving primary school overweight
Lentils and chickpeas are to be compulsory on school menus as part of new food standards designed to improve children’s diets and tackle childhood obesity and tooth decay.
The new Department for Education guidelines will require schools to serve fibrous wholegrains and pulses, including lentils and chickpeas, at least once a week.
The changes will also restrict foods high in fat, salt and sugar, including pizzas, sausages, ice cream and waffles.
Under the new standards, a portion of vegetables or salad will have to be included in every main meal.
Desserts will be limited and must contain or be served with fruit.
The reforms are the first new school food standards in more than a decade and will take effect in September 2027.
For secondary schools, the changes will come into effect in September 2028.
The Government said the measures are being introduced as all pupils in England from families receiving Universal Credit become eligible for free school meals.
Approximately one in three children are leaving primary school overweight or obese, while tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine.
Under the new rules, schools will have to publish their menus and food policies online. They will also be expected to nominate a school food governor to hold them to account for the meals provided.
More emphasis is placed on pulses such as chickpeas and lentils, which are sources of fibre and can be used in a range of school meals.
Chef Jamie Oliver, who has campaigned for healthier school food for more than two decades, welcomed the reforms:
“It’s brilliant to see new school food standards based on the latest science, to make sure the food children get at school is actually supporting their health and helping them thrive.”
Meanwhile, Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould, described the Government-led changes as “exciting”.
She said they marked the “first new school food standards for more than a decade”.
Speaking with Nick Ferrari on LBC Breakfast, she said:
“It’s a massive issue for parents. And we want our children to be healthy.”
Ms Gould acknowledged that fish and chips “will still be allowed” under the new rules, but said they would need to be baked rather than fried.
She continued: “At the moment you could have, you know, dessert, apple crumble, ice cream every day. In the new rules, it would be twice a week, but with fruit attached to it.
“At the moment, you don’t have to have fruit and vegetables in every meal. And in these new rules, you will have to have it in every meal.”
Ms Gould was also challenged over whether pupils would accept the healthier food choices:
“Nick, you come with me to one of these schools and I’ll prove you wrong. Have some sticky chicken rice and all the brilliant things they’re serving.”
However, school leaders warned that the reforms will require sufficient funding to implement.
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:
“The current funding rate for free school meals is not enough to cover costs and many schools have to divert money from teaching and learning.”
Matt Vickers, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, criticised the changes:
“Our Armed Forces are crumbling, but Andy Burnham has decided his priority is taking pudding off the menu.
“The only thing wobblier than Andy Burnham’s defence policy is the jelly he’s trying to ban.”
