Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that children are taught about the potential impact of ultra-processed foods on health.

Education is a devolved matter, and response outlines information for England only.

The government acknowledges there is no universally agreed definition of ultra-processed foods (UPF).

The topic of UPFs could be covered under a number of subjects within the National Curriculum, including design and technology (D&T), science, and relationships, sex and health education (RSHE). The department does not specifically prescribe the teaching of UPFs. This is because we want schools to have flexibility over how they deliver these subjects, so they can develop an integrated approach that is sensitive to the needs and background of their pupils.

The cooking and nutrition strand of D&T, which is compulsory for key stages 1 to 3 in maintained schools, teaches pupils how to cook and apply the principles of healthy eating and nutrition.

Similarly, in science, healthy eating is covered through topics relating to nutrition and digestion, which cover the content of a healthy diet and the impact of diet on how the body functions. Science teachers could decide to highlight UPFs and their impact where appropriate in the course.

Furthermore, within the health education portion of RSHE it is expected that by the end of primary, pupils should know what constitutes a healthy diet, including understanding calories and other nutritional content, the characteristics of a poor diet, and the risks associated with unhealthy eating. Then by the end of secondary, pupils should know how to maintain healthy eating and the links between a poor diet and health risks, including tooth decay and cancer.

At GCSE, pupils can choose to study the food preparation and nutrition course. The subject content requires pupils to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how foods are grown, reared or caught, and the primary and secondary stages of processing and production, along with how this processing affects the sensory and nutritional properties of ingredients.

To support teachers, Oak National Academy currently have free online resources on their website that will help in delivering education on food processing in D&T, and also within geography as well where they highlight the negative impacts of UPFs. Included in this are lessons specifically on the different ways that food is processed and how new technologies are used in manufacturing.

The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, covering ages 5 to 18, chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE. The review will seek to refresh the curriculum to ensure it is cutting edge, fit for purpose and meeting the needs of children and young people to support their future life and work.