Major change to primary school dinners for millions of kids with key lunch staples facing BAN to promote healthy eating

A MAJOR change to school dinners for millions of primary-age kids will see key foods banned, new plans reveal.
To promote healthy eating, big changes have been proposed to primary school menus in Wales.
2
2
The Welsh Government is proposing changes on what food can be served in schools from 2026-27 in a consultation launched on Monday.
Fruit juice, white bread, and sugary cereals are among the food and drink to be binned.
The proposed plans will also see limits on sugary puddings, cheese and processed meats such as gammon.
However, red meat and fish must be served once a week.
The mooted changes will also see more fruit and vegetables on primary school menus.
This is in an effort to reduce saturated fats and sugars and help pupils meet their five fruit-and-veg a day.
Fried chips can also only be served once a week under the plans and bread, pasta and noodles must be at least 50 per cent wholegrain.
There would also be changes to portion sizes, moving away from the current one-size-fits-all approach for primary-aged children.
Smaller meals will be served to infants with larger portions for those of junior age.
The junior portions will be approximately three-quarters of an adult portion while an infant portion is roughly half of an adult portion.
Pizza and macaroni cheese, where cheese is the primary source of protein, will only be served twice a week.
These changes have been proposed in line with UK dietary guidelines, the Welsh Government have said.
The plans come amid health risk concerns over rising obesity levels in children.
In Wales, a quarter of children aged four and five are now categorised as overweight or obese.
Kids look horrified as they eat school dinners that British over-50s miss most
A quarter of children also start primary school overweight and experts say "many children aren't getting the balanced nutrition they need to thrive."
At least two portions of vegetables (not including potatoes), one of which can be a salad, must be provided each day with six varieties provided each week.
At least one portion of fruit/fruit salad must also be provided to children each day with at least four varieties per week.
There must also be three different types of starchy carbs provided each week and no more than three portions of sweetened baked products and desserts.
Further food and drink changes have also been proposed to primary school breakfasts.
This also includes changes to primary school breakfasts such as cereals as well as the type of milk they can drink with fruit juice set to be banned.
A spokesperson for the Welsh Government outlined the changes, saying: "The new proposals will ensure children are offered nutritionally-balanced school food and drink and that healthy eating is promoted in schools with the aim of improving health, wellbeing, and attainment.
"The evidence shows that, on average, children eat too much sugar and don't eat the recommended amounts of fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains.
"This contributes to health issues such as childhood obesity and currently one in four reception-aged children are categorised as overweight or obese."
The Welsh Government has reviewed regulations on school food nutrition, which applies in all Welsh maintained schools, according to The Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales strategy.
With the rollout of universal primary free school meals in Wales, they said they are fulfilling their commitment to the strategy starting with primary schools.
I'm a school dinner lady - people ask us the weirdest questions
They added that it was a more complex issue in secondary schools, however, with "more information" required before any changes are made for older children.
The spokesman added: "The eating patterns in secondary schools are more complex due to the popularity of grab-and-go options and the wide variety of foods being available during both morning and lunch breaks.
"We're gathering data on consumption habits and issuing a call for evidence as part of this consultation to better understand these settings."
The plans have been welcomed by Public Health Wales.
Consultant in public health, Rachel Bath, said that the regulations were a "vital step" in ensuring school food supports children's lifelong eating habits.
She added: "We know there is work to do to give all children access to nutritious meals alongside food education and positive dining experiences.
Key proposals for primary school menus in Wales:
Vegetables, fruit, and starchy carbohydrates
Currently at least one portion of vegetables or salad must be provided each day and at least one portion of fruit, fruit salad, or fruit juice must be provided each day and there is no regulation on wholegrain carbs and white bread.
If proposals are agreed the following bans and changes would be enforced:
At least two portions of vegetables (excluding potatoes), one of which can be a salad, must be provided each day. At least six varieties must be provided each week.
At least one portion of fruit/fruit salad must be provided each day. At least four varieties must be provided each week.
At least three different types of starchy carbs must be provided each week.
At least one portion of pasta, noodles, or rice serving which must contain at least 50% wholegrain.
All bread must contain at least 50% wholegrain.
Meat, processed meat, and fish:
Under current regulations meat cuts must be provided on at least two days each week. Processed meat products (like sausages or burgers) must not be served more than twice a week while a portion of fish must be provided at least once each week and a portion of oily fish must be provided at least twice during any four-week period
If proposals are agreed the following bans and changes would be enforced:
Red meat (like beef or lamb) must be served at least once a week but not more than twice a week.
White meat would be unlimited in the amount it can be served.
Processed meat products must not be served more than once a week with ham and bacon to be counted as processed meat products, which they weren't before.
At least one portion of fish must be provided each week.
A portion of oily fish must be provided at least once every four weeks.
All fish must be sustainably caught.
Meat and fish alternatives and cheese-based meals for non-meat options:
There are no regulations for these currently but if proposals are agreed the following changes and bans would be enforced:
No more than two portions of processed alternatives to meat and fish can be provided each week.
Meals where cheese is the main protein source (like cheese pizza, macaroni cheese, or cheese bake) cannot be served more than twice per week.
Potato and potato products and deep-fried and flash-fried food:
Currently a portion of potato or potato product which is cooked in fat or oil must not be provided more than twice each week while a portion of food (excluding potato and potato products) including prepared, coated, battered and breaded food products, deep-fried or flash-fried on school premises or during the manufacturing process, must not be provided more than twice each week.
If proposals are agreed the following changes and bans would be enforced:
No more than two portions of potato or potato products cooked in fat or oil can be provided each week.
Of these two portions only one can be deep fried each week.
No more than one portion of deep-fried or flash-fried food (excluding potato and potato products) can be provided each week.
Sweetened baked products and desserts, fruit and veg in desserts, and pastry or pastry products:
Currently there is no regulation on how many portions of sweetened baked products and desserts can be provided each week or how often pastry and pastry products are served although a fruit-based pudding must be provided at least twice each week.
If proposals are agreed the following changes and bans would be enforced:
No more than three portions of sweetened baked products and desserts can be provided each week.
All desserts must contain or be accompanied by a minimum of 20g /40g (infant/junior) of fruit/veg or minimum of 10g/15g (infant junior) of dried fruit.
No more than one portion of pastry and pastry products must be provided each week.
Drinks:
Currently fruit juice is allowed and nursery-aged children can have semi-skimmed or whole milk while primary-aged learners must have semi-skimmed or skimmed milk. Still or carbonated water can be served.
If proposals are agreed the following drinks can and can't be served:
Plain water (still or carbonated) is in while fruit juice is out.
Nursery-aged children can have semi-skimmed or whole milk but primary aged children must have semi-skimmed, 1% fat, or skimmed milk.
Plant-based drinks must contain added calcium but no other added substances.
Fruit juice is no longer classified as portion of fruit and is not permitted.
Breakfast:
Under current regulations milk-based drinks or yoghurts are served but cereals coated or flavoured either alone or in combination with sugar or chocolate or cocoa powder are already banned so the changes would be to bread.
If proposals are agreed the following menus would be enforced:
Milk and plain plant-based drinks to be served.
Cereals can be served but not those coated or flavoured with sugar, chocolate, or cocoa powder or in any combination of those ingredients.
Breads (at least 50% wholegrain) and toppings can be served.
Portion sizes:
Currently there is only one meal portion size for all primary pupils aged from nursery/reception to year six
If the changes are agreed two separate portion sizes – juniors and infants - would be served:
Junior portions will be approximately three-quarters of an adult portion and infant portions approximately half of an adult portion.
"These changes not only support children's health but also contribute to a more sustainable food system and local economy.
"With continued collaboration and clear oversight, school food can be a powerful driver of long-term health and wellbeing in Wales.'
The plans will help both the NHS and children, according to Education secretary Lynne Neagle, saying good nutrition is crucial in helping young people "perform at their best".
She said: "Our evidence-based changes to school food rules will help give Welsh children the best start in life while supporting Welsh producers and nurturing a generation of healthy eaters to safeguard the future of our NHS."
The consultation on proposed changes to the Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulations 2013 will last for ten weeks, starting from May 20.
Neagle added: "We want to build on the good work already happening to further ensure every child in Wales has access to healthy food.
"This is why I want to hear from parents, teachers, suppliers, and young people.
"By working together we can create school food standards that work for everyone – supporting our children's health today and for their future.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

BBC News

an hour ago

• BBC News

Protesters gather to demand hospice reopens and question funding

Campaigners have returned to a hospice inpatient unit in Liverpool a year after it was shut to stage another protest to demand the facility reopen as soon as possible. The 26-bed unit at Marie Curie in Woolton, Liverpool, closed in July 2024 because of a shortage of specialised nursing decision sparked immediate concern and a campaign group, Save our Hospice, formed to demand a u-turn. A Marie Curie spokesman said it was in talks with the NHS Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB), which commissions end-of-life care in Liverpool, to agree a "sustainable long-term plan" for the unit's future. A large group of campaigners gathered outside the unit on Saturday afternoon and held placards criticising Marie Curie for not "taking up our offer" to fundraise for the unit. Some wore yellow t-shirts with the slogans "Save our Hospice" and "Save our Ward". Independent Liverpool councillor Lucy Williams, who attended a protest at the unit on Saturday, told the BBC: "It's been a year since they closed their doors to the inpatient unit and it's been a year that they've continued to receive funding from the ICB."So we're here today to ask where has that money gone and why haven't they delivered that service that they're getting commissioned to provide."Williams worked at the hospice as a palliative care nurse for two years, and said: "People's relatives and loved ones have died here and a lot of them have committed their time to fundraising for this hospice."We found out over this year that money doesn't come to this hospice, it goes into a national pot - so throughout the closure this fundraising has continued and people haven't been aware that the inpatient unit in Liverpool has been closed." 'Get the ward open' Williams said an "easy" resolution was to immediately re-open the ward. She said: "They're receiving the funding to have the ward open, surely they can have one or two beds? That's better than none at all. "So get the ward open and if Marie Curie aren't competent to provide the service then the ICB need to commission someone who is."The Marie Curie spokesperson said the charity hoped to reach an agreement with the NHS integrated care board "as soon as possible".While admissions to the inpatient unit "had been paused", the hospice had remained open and was providing palliative and end of life care to "thousands of people in Liverpool in different ways", they added. The spokesperson said the ICB was aware its funding was being used to provide these services. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

Powys County Times

3 hours ago

• Powys County Times

Opinion: Powys patients are being let down by the Government

Earlier this month, the Welsh Government claimed that no patient in Powys is waiting more than two years for treatment, writes Russell George MS. Let me be absolutely clear: that is simply not true. Unlike other counties in Wales, Powys does not have a District General Hospital. Our residents are instead referred to hospitals across the border in England, or in other parts of Wales. That means when the Welsh Government says, 'no one in Powys is waiting more than two years,' they are not counting the very patients who are actually waiting for treatment, just because they're not being treated in Powys. When I raised with the First Minister, she confirmed to me that there are at least 81 patients from Powys who have been waiting over two years, 40 of whom are waiting in English hospitals. The Welsh Government's only response was to shift blame to the English NHS, calling it 'slow.', but that doesn't wash because we know that English treatment times for English patients are much faster than the Welsh waiting times. What the Welsh Government conveniently failed to mention is that it is Powys Teaching Health Board that has asked English hospitals to deliberately slow down treatment for Powys patients due to Powys Health Board's financial situation, a financial situation that they have consistently asked the Welsh Government to address. This is a betrayal of patients who have already waited far too long for the care they need and deserve. The Welsh Government must stop playing games with the figures and start being honest with the people of Powys. If 81 people from Powys are waiting more than two years for treatment, then that is the figure that matters, not how it looks on a government spreadsheet. These are real people behind these numbers. People in pain. People waiting for hip and knee replacements, cancer treatment, and vital operations. They deserve transparency, not distortion. It's time for the Welsh Government to treat Powys patients fairly and fund their care based on the services they actually use, regardless of which side of the border they're on. What should happen is the Welsh Government should provide Powys Teaching Health Board the finance they need, in order for the health board to be able to pay English providers for treating Powys patients, based on the much faster English waiting times.

Times

5 hours ago

• Times

How can hospitals have dignity if staff don't notice you're dead?

There have been miracles happening at a mental health hospital in the east of London — miracles so remarkable that I am surprised so little has been made of it. What happened at Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford was that a patient died — but then three days later was seen by staff cheerfully eating his breakfast. Extraordinary goings-on, don't you think? Or perhaps, worryingly, not quite as extraordinary as they appear. The man who died and then — stone rolled away from the tomb — was up and about eating his cornflakes three days later was called Mr Winbourne Charles. He had been admitted to Goodmayes suffering from depression, and five months later he killed himself. So how was he seen eating his breakfast three days later? He wasn't. The staff who were meant to be watching him had not even noticed that he had died: they lied on the official forms, not realising that Mr Charles had been in a coffin for the best part of 72 hours. Such was the level of care and concern. Such was the rigour and the attention to detail. • Rod Liddle on his radio comeback: Somehow I'm still on air When Mr Charles was admitted to Goodmayes it was with a clinical psychological assessment which revealed he was a very high-risk patient and should be observed once every 15 minutes. Goodmayes downgraded that assessment so that he should be observed only once an hour. But it didn't really matter, because the staff didn't even do that. It turns out that he hadn't been observed for at least two hours when he was found dead. You might gauge the interest the Goodmayes staff took in their employment, and in the people they were there to care for, by their behaviour at Mr Charles's inquest. One staff member gave evidence lying in their bed at home, because they weren't due at work that day. Another gave evidence from the Tube because they were on their way to the airport to take a nice break in the sun. In my days of court reporting the coroner would have sent round the Old Bill to drag that person from their pit and grounded all flights — but times change. The authority has seeped away. We know about Mr Winbourne Charles partly because of another inquest into another unnecessary death at the same hospital and some expert digging by the BBC, which revealed at least 20 more very dubious deaths at the North East London NHS Foundation Trust. People who had been on short-term medication for years and years. People neglected. The staff not doing what they were paid to do. At Mr Charles's inquest the coroner recorded a verdict of death by suicide contributed to by neglect. The trust accepted the verdict and admitted that the behaviour of its staff at the inquest had been 'unacceptable', and so you might expect things to be changing in Goodmayes right now. You'd be wrong. On the hospital's own site the latest review — from May this year — details the utterly useless nature of the service provided for patients. Underneath it says: 'Goodmayes Hospital has not yet replied' — but then, in fairness, it says that underneath all the reviews, dating back to 2023. Where do we start with this farrago? Perhaps with the nature of management in the public sector, where a laxer atmosphere and regimen prevails than in the private sphere, and where it seems that the ethos is far more about supporting the staff than providing for the customer, or patient. There are no sales figures and financial imperatives to sharpen the concentration a little. The unions are on the side of staff and the managers dare not demur. Nobody is on the side of the patient, the taxpayer. But I do not think that is the main problem. In the past year I have been detailing here the various manifestations of Skank Britain and the cultural shifts that have led us down this fetid back alley. The dissolution of authority and the refusal of people to take responsibility for their own actions, or indeed for themselves. The notion of such terms as 'discipline' and 'duty' becoming de trop and the insistence by each errant individual that he or she mustn't be judged and will behave exactly as they wish, thank you. The almost complete lack of regard for that most annoying of encumbrances, other people. A lack of dignity in the self and towards others. And, perhaps more than anything else, the long-term whittling-away of a communitarian ethos, the sense that as a nation we have a responsibility to look out for one another and to do the right thing. All of that stuff has largely gone, I fear. Goodmayes Hospital is as much a function of Skank Britain as some feral lout on the Tube with his feet on the seats and hideous music blaring out of his infernal device. Two members of Palestine Action broke into RAF Brize Norton and claimed to have put out of action a couple of Voyager air-to air refuelling tankers. Three questions arise. First, why weren't they shot? Second, the prime minister called it an act of vandalism — but isn't it, more properly, an act of treason? And, finally, why hadn't Palestine Action already been put on the list of proscribed terrorist organisations and its members arrested? You will be relieved to know that Olsi Beheluli is still with us. Olsi, an Albanian by birth, has recently been released from prison after an 11-year stretch for heroin dealing. In a move that suggests he is perhaps not the sharpest tool in the box, he photographed himself sitting in front of a vast pile of banknotes worth £250,000. Anyway, the Home Office wanted him out of the country, but the immigration tribunal judges wouldn't have it. In gaining British citizenship, Olsi had signed a form which stated that he had never done anything that 'might indicate that you may not be considered a person of good character'. Dealing skag didn't remotely count. Readers of a certain age may remember the comedian Dave Allen's observation that, as 10 per cent of road accidents were caused by drink-drivers, it followed that 90 per cent were caused by people who were sober. 'Why don't those people keep off the roads and let us drunks drive in safety?' he asked. The dyscalculic lefties will all be channelling Dave, having read about the Ministry of Justice stats released last week which showed that more than a quarter of all sexual assaults on women last year were carried out by people not born in this country. You can hear them now: 'That means 74 per cent were carried out by British people and nobody has suggested investigating them. Racist!'