Baroness Quin

The School Food Standards regulate the food and drink provided at lunchtime and other times of the school day. The Standards aim to ensure that the right foods are available for children every day and restrict foods high in fat, salt and sugar, including high sugar foods and confectionery.

Diets high in calories and saturated fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) are associated with an increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases. Government dietary advice, based on recommendations from The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and depicted within the Eatwell Guide, already shows that many foods that would be classified as ultra-processed are not part of a healthy, balanced diet as they are HFSS.

SACN has concluded that observed associations between ultra-processed foods and health are concerning, but it is unclear whether these foods are inherently unhealthy due to processing or due to their nutritional content.

The Ministerial team is working with departmental officials on plans to deliver manifesto commitments, including making quick progress to deliver breakfast clubs in every primary school. The department’s aim is to deliver better life chances through a system which works for all.  As part of this, and as with all government programmes, the department will keep its approach to school food under continued review.

The Secretary of State for Defra met with ministers from the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and DAERA on 16 September at their Inter-ministerial Group meeting. The group agreed to enhance joint scientific research and local field trials to tackle pollution of culturally and economically important water bodies, which could support efforts to protect and restore the River Tweed.

It is important that patients receive healthy, nutritious food while in hospital.

Nutritional guidelines for patient food is provided by the British Dietetic Association in an online-only format. Portion control and costs are generally agreed by each hospital site or through local food frameworks.

The NHS National Standards for Healthcare Food and Drink set out the requirements for more sustainable menus. This includes fewer processed foods high in sugar, salt and fats. A copy of the standards is attached.