Question to the Department for Education:

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

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.