Schools in England will no longer be permitted to serve deep-fried foods starting next September as part of a significant government initiative to tackle childhood obesity. The new regulations also mandate that all main meals must be accompanied by a portion of vegetables or salad, or incorporate them directly.
Beyond the ban on fried items, which impacts traditional favorites like fish and chips and spam fritters, the overhaul requires the inclusion of more fibrous wholegrains and pulses, such as lentils and chickpeas, on menus at least once a week. Sweetened baked desserts will also be restricted and must contain or be served with fruit, addressing concerns about childhood obesity and tooth decay.
The changes mark the first update to school food standards in over a decade, aiming to move away from less healthy options that were popular in previous decades. Classic school meal components from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, including potato smiley faces, spam fritters, jam roly-poly, and cowboy pie, will be impacted by these new guidelines.
Previously, campaigning by Jamie Oliver in the early 2000s led to the removal of items like Turkey Twizzlers and chocolate concrete cake from school menus due to their nutritional content. The Turkey Twizzler, notably, contained only 34% meat and was removed in 2005, though a healthier version was briefly relaunched in 2020 before being discontinued. Other nostalgic items such as cornflake tart, cheese flan, and Arctic roll may also see changes in preparation or presentation under the new standards.
While some processed items like Pasta King pots continue to be served, their prevalence and popularity may shift with the new focus on healthier ingredients and preparation methods. The department of education's overhaul seeks to create a healthier food environment for pupils, moving away from fried items and sugary treats towards more nutritious options.