The government has announced major changes to the food that schools in England can offer pupils.

Schools will cut down on food that is high in salt and fat, including tomato ketchup, sausage rolls, pizza and desserts. Deep-fried food will be banned (although you can still have oven-baked chips), and all dishes must contain at least one portion of salad, fruit or vegetables.

The government wants to tackle childhood obesity and improve pupils’ wellbeing and focus in class. Data shows that one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese, and tooth decay is the top reason for hospital admissions for children between Year 1 and Year 5.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver said: “It’s brilliant to see new school food standards based on the latest science, to make sure the food children get at school is actually supporting their health and helping them thrive.”

Breakfast menus are getting guidance for the first time too, with a ban on fried eggs, Coco Pops and chocolate spread. Schools will have to publish their weekly menus online so that parents can feel reassured that their children are enjoying a nutritional diet.

The government says it is “determined” to help schools adapt to the new rules, which will start to come into effect when the next school year starts in September 2027.

What about the rest of the UK?

Wales is freshening up school lunches later this year with more vegetables and a ban on sugary drinks. Scotland updated its guidance on school food in 2020, while Northern Ireland last made school food healthier in 2007.