Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners

Deep-Fried Food Banned in School Meal Overhaul

England’s Department for Education (DfE) has proposed new guidelines to eliminate deep-fried foods and limit high-sugar items in school meals, aiming to enhance the nutritional value of children’s lunches. The plan includes replacing sugary snacks with fruit across most school days, while prohibiting daily offerings of unhealthy “grab-and-go” options such as sausage rolls and pizza.

Support and Criticism from Stakeholders

The Green Party welcomed the changes as a “long-overdue” step toward healthier eating, while the Association of School and College Leaders endorsed the initiative to improve meal quality. However, they emphasized that additional funding would be “essential” to sustain the reforms.

“The education secretary must urgently address this problem,” stated Munira Wilson, a Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson. She highlighted concerns from parents and educators about rising food costs, which have forced schools to reduce portion sizes and lower meal quality.

Reform UK criticized the government for “micromanaging people’s lives,” arguing that banning specific foods wouldn’t resolve childhood obesity. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats urged that free school meal funding align with increasing expenses to ensure meals are both nutritious and sufficient.

Funding and Implementation Details

A nine-week consultation on the proposals has been launched, with secondary schools adopting a phased rollout for some changes to allow time for recipe development, menu updates, and staff training. The final standards will take effect in September 2027, accompanied by a “robust” enforcement system to verify compliance.

Previously introduced in 2015, school food standards included mandates for fruit and vegetables, restrictions on sugary drinks, and a focus on wholegrains. However, some headteachers reported challenges in adhering to these rules due to budget constraints.

Expanding Free Meal Access

As part of the reforms, children whose parents receive Universal Credit will gain access to free school meals starting in September 2026. This follows a policy shift that 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.

“Improving the quality of school food is something we wholeheartedly support,” said Tom Middlehurst of the Association of School and College Leaders. “But these changes must be implemented practically, with adequate funding to cover rising costs.”

Cost Concerns and Call for Action

Last summer, the School Food People urged the government to boost funding for free school meals to prevent schools from diverting funds from core budgets. A 2025 survey revealed the real cost of preparing a meal is about £3.45—over 80p higher than the £2.61 allocated to schools.

Brad Pearce, national chair of the School Food People, praised the government’s review of food standards but stressed the need for “monitoring and funding appropriately” to support the transition. The DfE claims the new rules will result in millions of children consuming healthier, more nourishing meals daily.