UK to ban sugary, fried foods in schools under nutrition overhaul

LONDON — The UK government has unveiled plans to remove high-sugar and deep-fried foods from school menus as part of a major effort to tackle childhood obesity and improve nutrition.The reforms, announced by the Department for Education, would update school food standards for the first time in more than a decade.Schools would be required to limit foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, increase servings of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and completely ban deep-fried items.Sugary snacks would also be replaced with healthier options for most of the week.Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the move as “the most ambitious overhaul of school food in a generation.”“Every child deserves to have delicious, nutritious food at school that gives them the energy to concentrate, learn, and thrive,” she said.Officials said the reforms respond to growing health concerns, with one in three children leaving primary school overweight or obese, while excess sugar consumption continues to drive high rates of tooth decay.The proposals also include an expansion of free breakfast clubs, expected to benefit thousands of pupils and reduce costs for families.Health minister Sharon Hodgson said the measures would help curb rising obesity rates, adding that the government is “determined to reduce the child obesity epidemic.”Schools would also be required to publish menus and appoint a lead governor to oversee food standards, improving transparency for parents.A nine-week public consultation has been launched, with implementation of the new standards planned from 2027.