School Foods Standards to be reviewed as part of a new open consultation
A new government consultation launched today has been welcomed as a significant and long-awaited opportunity to reshape the diets of children across the UK.
The nine-week consultation will review and update the existing School Food Standards – guidelines that have been in place for over 10 years and are vastly overdue an update to bring them in line with current scientific recommendations.
Key proposals under consideration include removing high-sugar and deep-fried foods from school menus, limiting less healthy ‘grab and go’ options - such as pizza and sausage rolls - and stronger emphasis on fruits, vegetables, beans and pulses.
The government has also announced a national enforcement initiative to properly ensure the standards are applied consistently across schools and local areas. Further details on what this will look like are expected later this year, with schools and caters given 12 months to implement changes ahead of full enforcement in September 2027.
With 1 in 5 children aged 10-11 already living with obesity, this consultation is a critical chance to support children’s health, learning and wellbeing. Action on Salt and Sugar applaud the news and hopes to see the revised standards play a key role in helping young people develop healthier eating habits.
The consultation is open until 12th June 2026. Please view and submit responses via the government website.
