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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 April 2026. It was answered by Olivia Bailey (Labour) on Thursday, 23 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

School Meals: Nutrition

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of current school food standards in improving children’s nutritional outcomes.

Answer

The School Food Standards set the mandatory nutritional framework for food and drink provided in state‑funded schools in England. They are designed to ensure children receive the energy and nutrients they need during the school day, while giving schools flexibility to design menus that work for their pupils and local circumstances.

Since the School Food Standards were introduced in 2015, evidence on sugar, fibre and childhood obesity has changed significantly and childhood obesity prevalence has increased. We are committed to raising the healthiest generation ever, so 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. Details of the consultation are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/school-food-standards-updating-the-legislative-framework.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
127313
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Nutrition Standards School meals
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk