Written question asked by Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 21 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 March 2005. It was answered by Derek Twigg (Labour) on Thursday, 24 March 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans she has to regulate the standards of meals served in schools; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to regulate the standards of meals served in schools; and if she will make a statement. [223637] Derek Twigg: Regulations introduced in 2001 set nutritional standards for school lunches in all local education authority maintained schools in England. It is the responsibility of local education authorities or, where the budget for school meals is delegated to them, a school's governing body to ensure that these standards are met. We are currently working to strengthen the standards to reduce pupils' sugar, salt and fat intakes and increase fruit and vegetable consumption. The Government's White Paper--"Choosing Health: Making healthier choices easier" set out the commitment that from September 2005 Ofsted will, through its separate programme of subject and thematic reviews, report on the contribution that every school makes to the five outcomes for children underpinning the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme. As part of their review, Ofsted will look at healthy eating in schools, including school meals and other food and drink available on school premises.

Secondary information