There is a likely shut out for junk foods in schools from September onwards - confectionery, crisps and fizzy drinks, according to the recommendations by the School Food trust.
The trust, which was initiated by Ruth Kelly, education secretary, has enforced new standards on food provided in schools – that includes vending machines, tuck shops and cafeterias.According to Dame Suzi Leather, the trust's chairwoman, New food standards from September will improve school meals, but they cannot succeed if pupils are surrounded with chocolate, crisps, and drinks that fill them up with sugar and fat during the school day. One in eight of our children is now obese. Anecdotal evidence suggests that, when these products are removed, behavior also improves.
Representatives of the food industry have conveyed that healthier snacks and Fizzy drinks should be exempt from the ban. The new standards which have been put forth are awaiting Ms Kelly’s approval. Of course the advice will not be applicable to lunchboxes or food served during fundraising initiatives.
The advice will cause a major ripple in the vending industry, where school vending machines have an estimated annual turnover of £45m. Joe Harvey, head of the Health Education Trust and a member of the School Food Trust, has expressed relief with the new standards put forth, and said We still want artificial sweeteners removed, but it's a brilliant result.
