Deep-fried food banned under new school dinner rules in England

There will be a boost for fresh fruit and vegetables and deep-fried food will be banned in what the government has called the biggest shake-up to school dinners in England in over a decade.

Under new school food standards, fibre and wholegrains will also be increased, and breakfast clubs will have to follow nutrition rules for the first time, with schools also being monitored.

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) welcomed the changes, but said they hoped the new rules would not become “another stick with which to beat head teachers”.

The changes will come into effect from 2027 and be funded with existing money for schools, the government said.

As part of the new framework, sweet desserts, like cake, will be reduced from a regular lunch offer to twice a week in secondary schools, and once a week in primary schools. They also must now be served with a portion of fruit.

Servings of processed meats such as ham, sausages and chicken nuggets have been reduced to once a week and must come with a side of vegetables or fruit.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said they were “once-in-a-generation changes” which would “transform school food for children across the country”.