England bans deep-fried foods in school dinners
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The government of England will ban deep-fried foods from school dinners starting in 2027, increasing access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
The changes represent the most significant update to school food standards in over ten years and will also apply nutrition rules to breakfast clubs for the first time. Secondary schools will limit sweet desserts to twice a week, while primary schools will offer them once a week, always with a side of fruit.
Processed meats like chicken nuggets and sausages will be limited to once weekly and must be served with vegetables or fruit. Education Secretary Lucy Powell described the changes as “once-in-a-generation” reforms intended to improve children’s health, concentration, and wellbeing. Schools will publish their food policies and menus online, and the Food Standards Agency will help monitor compliance. The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) supported the new standards but cautioned against using them to punish school leaders.
ASCL general secretary Pepe Di'Iasio said schools need more investment in catering facilities and chef training to meet the government’s goals. Oasis Blakenhale, a school in Birmingham, already provides healthy meals and welcomed the changes, with principal Farzana Ahmed noting the positive impact of free breakfast clubs on families facing financial pressures. The reforms will also require oven-baked chips instead of fried, 50% wholewheat pasta once a week, and high-fibre bread.
Breakfast clubs will no longer serve pastries or fried eggs, and sugary cereals like Coco Pops and chocolate spreads are prohibited.
