Written question asked by Ian Gibson (Labour) on Monday, 20 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 March 2006. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Thursday, 23 March 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

School Food

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) on what research the School Food Trust based its (a) recommendation for healthier snack models and (b) decision to ban the sale of confectionery in secondary schools; and whether this research has been published;

Answer: The School Food Trust's advice to ban the sale of confectionery in schools reflects the Government's healthy eating guidance set out in the Balance of Good Health””, which indicates that these foods may be eaten occasionally but should not be part of a child or young person's everyday diet.The School Food Trust's advice on standards for school food other than lunch was informed by evidence from companies selling foods in schools, people providing food in schools and others including researchers and academics. This included evidence from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey: young people aged four-20 years, which showed that sugars comprise about 17 percent. of food energy in children compared to a recommended average of 11 percent. and the main source is soft drinks and confectionery. The full advice, including a list of those who gave evidence, is published on schoolfoodtrust.org.uk.

Secondary information