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Written question asked by Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. It was answered by Olivia Bailey (Labour) on Friday, 14 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Processed Food

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will (a) collect and (b) publish data on the proportion of ultra-processed foods in school meals (i) by region, (ii) by local authority and (iii) in Wiltshire.

Answer

The department does not collate or publish data on the proportion of ultra-processed foods in school meals. The School Food Standards regulate the food and drink provided at both lunchtime and at other times of the school day, and restrict foods high in fat, salt and sugar, as well as low quality reformed or reconstituted foods.

Governing boards have a responsibility to ensure compliance and should appropriately challenge the headteacher and the senior leadership team to ensure the school is meeting its obligations. To support governors, the department, along with the National Governance Association, launched an online training course on school food for governors and trustees. This training is designed to improve understanding of the Standards and give governing boards confidence to hold their school leaders to account on their whole school approach to food.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
88081
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Standards Processed food Schools
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk