Deep-fried items such as chicken nuggets and fish and chips are set to be banned from school menus in England, as the government unveils sweeping reforms aimed at tackling childhood obesity and improving nutrition.
The overhaul, described as the most ambitious in a generation, will also restrict popular items like pizza, sausage rolls and high-sugar desserts under tighter food standards.
What’s being banned and restricted
Under the new proposals:- Deep-fried foods will be completely removed from school menus
- Pizza, paninis and cheese-heavy dishes will be limited to twice a week
- Sausage rolls and “grab-and-go” items will no longer be offered daily
- Desserts must contain at least 50 per cent fruit and will be restricted in frequency.
- Sides cooked in oil, such as chips and hash browns, will also be capped at two servings per week.
Push to tackle obesity crisis
The reforms come amid rising health concerns, with around one in three children in England leaving primary school overweight or obese.
Officials say excessive sugar consumption has also contributed to tooth decay becoming a leading cause of hospital admissions among young children.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the changes would ensure children receive “nutritious meals that help them learn and thrive.”
Schools will be required to offer more balanced meals, including:
- Greater portions of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains
- Healthier main dishes such as pasta, rice-based meals and lean proteins
- Mandatory inclusion of vegetables or salad with meals
Menus will also need to be published online, with stricter monitoring of compliance.
The reforms have drawn mixed reactions. While education leaders have broadly welcomed the focus on healthier food, they stress that additional funding will be crucial for schools to implement the changes.
Supporters said the move was much needed, with the Green Party calling the decision to cut unhealthy food from school menus “welcome and long overdue”. Critics say it reflects excessive government intervention
The updated standards, the first major revision in over a decade, are expected to be introduced in phases starting from 2027, giving schools time to adapt menus and train staff.
The government says the changes aim to create a long-term shift in children’s eating habits, addressing what it sees as a rising public health challenge.
