Ban on junk food starts in secondary schools

Nutritious school lunches can make eating well a healthy habit for life

Andy Burnham, health secretary

Chocolate, crisps and sugary drinks will be banned from secondary schools this autumn as nutrient standards are introduced in an attempt to reduce obesity levels among children. This follows a ban on such food in primary schools last year.

The new guidelines state that junk food must be banned from vending machines and tuck shops and salt removed from tables in the cafeteria/canteen. Burgers, sausages and meat pies are restricted to being served just once a fortnight and schools are being encouraged to use less butter in sandwiches. Drinks will be limited to water, milk and fruit juice.

Andy Burnham, the health secretary, comments: "Obesity is the biggest health challenge this country faces. There are currently 1.5 million children who are overweight or obese, leaving them at an increased risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart and liver disease later in life. Nutritious school lunches can make eating well a healthy habit for life."

The new rules specify 14 nutrient-based standards for school lunches. These detail the amount of energy to be provided by carbohydrates (not less than 50 per cent) and set a maximum limit of saturated fat at 7.9g per school meal. Specific amounts of vitamins, folate, fibre and protein are given and limits on the amount of sodium that can be added per meal.

Tempting menus

Heathside Secondary School in Guildford took part in a recent trial of the plan and have created a variety of menus. On a Monday, main course options include Chilli Con Carne with brown rice, or fresh vegetable mornay with mash; golden sweetcorn or seasonal salad, followed by Dorset apple cake with warm vanilla sauce or fresh fruit.

Fresh bread is available daily and their ‘Grab and go' cafe offers pasta, Singapore pork with noodles, sandwiches, salads, soup and jacket potatoes with hot and cold fillings. Yoghurt, fruit juice and smoothies are also available.

Howden School and Technology College, near Goole, also took part in a trial of the new standards. At the start of the pilot, the take-up of school lunches was 23%. By the end of the pilot, take-up had increased to 39%.

Some schools are considering banning children from leaving school premises at lunchtime and during breaks so that they can't go to shops nearby and stock up on fattening snacks and fizzy drinks. 

Boosting performance at school

Research has shown that following a healthy diet at school and at home can boost a children's academic performance.

Good independent schools in the UK pride themselves on providing healthy balanced meal options every day. Check out a sample menu at a private day and boarding school in our feature on obesity levels in children.

Have your say

Do you think these measures will make a difference, or will some parents resort to pushing burgers through the school railings?