Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to setting limits for the consumption of ultra-processed foods served in NHS hospitals.

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.