New rules on school dinners
Last updated 13th Jun 2019
Changes are going to be made to school dinners in Scotland to cut down on processed red meat and sugar, and try to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables eaten by children.
The Scottish Goverment says it's the first in the UK to set maximum limits for consumption of over the course of the school week, which will also reduce exposure to harmful nitrites.
It's part of efforts to halve childhood obesity by 2030 and strengthen children and young people’s healthy eating habits.
The new rules on school food call for:
- a minimum of two full portions of vegetables and a full portion of fruit are offered as part of a school lunch, with full portions of fruit and or vegetables also available in tuck shops
- a maximum amount of red and processed red meat provision - such as bacon, ham and pepperoni - in school lunches to help reduce exposure to nitrites
- removal of fruit juice and smoothies from primary and secondary schools to help reduce sugar intake
The regulations will come into effect by autumn 2020 to allow councils time to plan their menus and supply chains and follow consultation and advice from a working group comprising health, nutrition and education experts.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:
“Our school food and drink regulations are now over a decade old. With more than 360,000 meals served a day, schools must follow the latest scientific and dietary advice and encourage young people to choose healthy habits for life.
“Every school lunch will now contain more fruit and vegetables, and where food is served elsewhere in school full portions of fruit and vegetables must be on offer.
“We have set maximum limits for consumption of red processed meat which is linked to an increased risk of cancer. This will also reduce exposure to harmful nitrites.
“And we know that one small carton of fruit juice or smoothie contains more than the entire recommended sugar intake for a primary pupil’s lunch, so these drinks will no longer be served in schools.
“These changes will improve our school food, help tackle childhood obesity and give our children the best start in life."