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School Junk Food Scandal: 76% Break Rules
29 Aug
Summary
- 76% of English secondary schools serve junk food too often.
- 53% sell banned high-fat, high-sugar snacks.
- Meat products served over twice weekly in 224 schools.
A study by Bite Back, a food charity founded by chef Jamie Oliver, has revealed that 76% of state secondary schools in England are not complying with regulations on meal offerings, frequently serving junk food. This non-compliance includes offering meat products more than twice a week in 224 schools and using banned ingredients like chocolate chips in desserts.
The research, which analyzed nearly 400 school menus, also found that 53% of schools are selling snacks high in fat, sugar, or salt, such as crisps and biscuits. D'Arcy Williams of Bite Back expressed alarm, stating that these findings expose a system failing children and urged for stronger, enforced school food standards.
These revelations come as the government prepares to roll out improved School Food Standards to coincide with the expansion of Free School Meals for children on Universal Credit. Separate polling indicates that 72% of parents in England support greater enforcement of these new standards, with strong backing for extending Free School Meals to all children.
