Deep-fried Food Banned in New School Meal Regulations

The UK government has unveiled plans to eliminate deep-fried foods and limit high-sugar items in school meals across England. These measures aim to revamp the nutritional standards of school lunches, prioritizing healthier options such as fresh fruit over sugary snacks. Schools will no longer be permitted to serve unhealthy “grab and go” items like sausage rolls and pizza daily, according to the proposed changes.

Support and Concerns

The Association of School and College Leaders endorsed the move to enhance meal quality, though they emphasized the need for extra funding to support the transition. Meanwhile, Reform UK criticized the initiative as an overreach, arguing it reflects an attempt to control dietary choices. The Green Party, however, called the policy a “welcome and long overdue” step toward better nutrition.

“Improving the quality of school food is something we wholeheartedly support,” said Tom Middlehurst from the Association of School and College Leaders. “But these changes must be implemented in a practical way, including with additional funding to cover increased costs.”

The Department for Education (DfE) highlighted that the reforms will ensure millions of children receive more nutritious meals daily. Current data shows that over a third of primary school children are overweight or obese, while tooth decay from high-sugar diets is the leading cause of hospital admissions for those aged five to nine.

Under the new guidelines, sweetened desserts will be restricted to once weekly, with a focus on incorporating more fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain foods into school menus. These adjustments mark the first update to school food standards in ten years, following delays caused by the pandemic.

The changes will apply to primary and secondary schools in England, with a phased rollout for secondary institutions to allow time for recipe development, menu updates, and staff training. A dedicated enforcement system will be introduced to ensure compliance with the new standards, set to take effect in September 2027.

Funding and Free Meal Expansion

Alongside these reforms, the DfE announced that children in England whose parents receive Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals starting September 2026. This change is expected to benefit 500,000 more students. Additionally, over 500 new free breakfast clubs will open this week, with funding per pupil increasing from 60p to £1 due to rising costs.

“The education secretary must urgently address the funding shortfall,” stated Munira Wilson, a Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson. “Parents, head teachers, and school governors in my constituency are concerned about the rising cost of food, which forces schools to reduce portion sizes and compromise meal quality.”

Previously, school food standards from 2015 included fruit and vegetable quotas, sugar limits in drinks, and a shift toward wholegrain alternatives. However, some headteachers expressed concerns that these standards are not consistently met, often due to budget constraints. A 2025 survey revealed that the actual cost of preparing a meal is around £3.45, exceeding the £2.61 allocated to schools for free meals by nearly 80p.

A nine-week public consultation on the proposals has been launched, with final standards to be released in September. The government aims to balance healthier choices with practical implementation, acknowledging the challenges schools face in adapting to the new requirements.