Fat and sugar off limits in school meals

CHILDREN’S favourites such as sugary cereals and sausages will be limited in schools as part of a crackdown on obesity.

All schools are to face restrictions on how often they can serve processed meat and cakes and pastries.

The proposals were unveiled yesterday by Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who also confirmed fruit juices and smoothies will be banned from school canteens.

The Scottish Government wants to cut the amount of sugar, processed meat and fat on school menus.

The move will see sugary cereals such as Coco Pops banned from breakfast clubs, while school lunches will include at least two portions of vegetables and a portion of fruit.

Ministers are consulting on the proposals, which were drawn up following a review by health, nutrition and education experts.

Baked goods will only be served three times a week and pastries such as croissants will only be allowed twice a week.

Primary schools will only be allowed to offer pupils 100g each of processed red meat such as ham or sausages a week, with secondary schools allowed to serve a maximum of 130g.

Almost 30 per cent of Scottish children are overweight or obese and the Government has pledged to reduce childhood obesity by half by 2030.

Mr Swinney said: ‘More than 360,000 meals are dished up in Scottish schools every day.

‘While our internationally acclaimed nutritional standards are already very high, we want to go further to promote healthy, high quality food and drink and help tackle childhood obesity.

‘The proposals are based on the latest scientific and expert advice, as well as the views of local authorities, schools and catering staff.’

Brian Whittle, Scottish Conservative spokesman on health education said: ‘This consultation on school food is simply a token gesture when a radical, comprehensive approach is needed.

‘We all know that our children must have a healthy meal at school, and we know that they must be encouraged to participate in physical activity.

‘This needs a comprehensive approach involving education, local produce sourcing, planning and facilities so that children can apply that education.

‘The SNP must enable schoolchildren to establish a longterm healthy relationship between food, drink and physical activity, not focus on temporary quick fixes.’

Lorraine Tulloch of Obesity Action Scotland said: ‘School meals offer a fantastic opportunity to drive dietary change in Scotland and act as an exemplar for healthy eating.

‘We know children consume foods and drinks high in fat and sugar more often than adults. Improving school meals will be an important step in tackling childhood obesity and setting up healthier diets for life.’

Gavin Partington, director of the British Soft Drinks Association, said smoothies and fruit juice help youngsters get their recommended fruit intake.

He said: ‘Only 15 per cent of children aged five to 15 are consuming the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

‘We urge the Scottish Government to revisit this proposal and ensure children are given the best opportunity to increase their fruit and vegetable intake.’