Why have the school food standards been introduced?
The standards were developed following research showing that children were not making healthy food choices at lunchtime and that school meals did not meet their nutritional needs. In 2005 the Government appointed an expert group, the School Meals Review Panel (SMRP), to recommend new standards for school food.
The SMRP report, published in October 2005, proposed radical changes which would prohibit or restrict food high in fat, sugar and salt or made with poor quality meat being served at school. The SMRP also set minimum levels for the nutritional content of school lunches. The standards generally adopt the SMRP and School Food Trust advice and recommendations.
Unhealthy eating patterns take time to change, so these new standards for school lunches are just the start of a much longer process.
Why have food-based standards been introduced for lunches?
- They define types of food which are no longer allowed or are restricted, in order to replace food high in fat, sugar and salt with more nutritious food and drinks.
- To ensure nourishing food is served more frequently.
- To ensure an immediate improvement in school lunches, allowing time for the more detailed process of developing meals that meet the new nutrient-based standards.
Why have nutrient-based standards been introduced for lunches?
- It is important that school lunches contain sufficient energy and micronutrients to promote good nutritional health in all pupils and to protect those who are nutritionally vulnerable.
- The nutrient-based standards aim to make the food offered healthier by increasing the vitamin and mineral content and decreasing the fat, saturated fat, non-milk extrinsic sugars and sodium (salt) content.
Empty calories
Increasingly, a large proportion of many children’s diets consists of manufactured food high in fat, sugar and salt. These highly processed products often provide ‘empty calories’ which fill children up but do not supply the essential nutrients they need for healthy physical and mental development.
Health risks
Much of the food no longer allowed under the food-based standards is associated with a growing range of child health and nutritional issues, including obesity, diabetes and tooth decay and erosion. Childhood obesity is now recognised as a major threat to long-term health and the statistics are alarming.
How the new standards will help children
- The ultimate goal is to help children enjoy balanced meals containing good sources of protein and carbohydrate, accompanied by lots of vegetables, salad and fruit.
- These standards mean that the less healthy food choices, high in fat, salt and sugar are replaced by more nutritious options.
- They should have a positive impact on children’s health, help encourage them to eat more nutritious food and improve the quality of school food nationwide.
How will schools benefit
Feedback from teachers suggests that the changes in the food provided help bring about better behaviour and performance in the classroom.
