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New rules to junk junk school meals
25/09/2007
Fizzy drinks and chocolate are on the way out of schools under new rules to make Scottish school dinners healthier than ever.
A group of nutrition, child health, dental and education experts drew up recommendations that set out exactly what can be served up in school canteens and vending machines.
Ministers have considered the group's proposals and decided on new nutritional guidelines for Scottish schools that will be written in to legislation and apply from August 2008.
Under the new rules, schools will:
- Offer at least two portions of fruit and vegetables every lunchtime
- Serve oily fish once every three weeks
- Limit deep fried food to three items each week
Sweets and fizzy drinks will be removed from schools and chips will only be served up as part of an overall balanced and nutritional meal.
Minister for Children Adam Ingram said:
"Turning around Scotland's health record is a challenge, but by targeting our youngest citizens we can make a lasting difference.
"Putting healthy options on a plate for pupils every day will develop their taste for the food that's good for them and stop unhealthy habits from taking hold.
"That means they benefit on a daily basis and for the rest of their lives."
The Expert Working Group was established to provide Ministers with proposals on nutritional standards for all food served in schools.
The group was chaired by Dr Cathy Higginson of NHS Health Scotland and included health, dental and nutritional professionals.
Ministers have considered the proposals and have decided on the standards which will be set out in regulations, as set out in the School (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007.