Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Navendu Mishra (Labour) on Monday, 13 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. It was answered by Olivia Bailey (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Greater Manchester

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that primary and secondary school pupils in Greater Manchester are provided with nutritious, healthy and minimally processed food in schools.

Answer

We are consulting on proposed updates to the school food standards in England to ensure that all food served at school, including at breakfast and lunch, better reflects current nutritional guidance and supports children’s health, wellbeing and learning. The consultation will run for nine weeks, closing on 12 June 2026. More information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/school-food-standards-updating-the-legislative-framework.

We have worked with the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities at the Department of Health and Social Care and consulted health and academic experts on the issue of ultra-processed foods, to ensure all changes are evidence-based. We know that many products classified as ultra-processed foods are often high in free sugars, saturated fats and/or salt, and it is levels of these which we are trying to reduce, including processed meats, confectionery and savoury snacks.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
126705
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Food Greater Manchester Nutrition Schools
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk