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School lunch rules 'too strict' School lunch rules 'too strict'
(about 12 hours later)
Nutritional guidelines designed to make England's secondary school meals healthier are restrictive and cannot work, caterers will tell a conference.Nutritional guidelines designed to make England's secondary school meals healthier are restrictive and cannot work, caterers will tell a conference.
The Local Authority Caterers Association says it wants to offer one option which conforms to the new rules while still offering pupils a choice.The Local Authority Caterers Association says it wants to offer one option which conforms to the new rules while still offering pupils a choice.
It said 80% of its members believed the new guidelines would lead to a decrease in take-up of school meals in England.It said 80% of its members believed the new guidelines would lead to a decrease in take-up of school meals in England.
But the School Food Trust says a balanced menu is achievable.But the School Food Trust says a balanced menu is achievable.
The nutritional guidelines will be introduced in England's schools from September, one year after they took effect in primaries.The nutritional guidelines will be introduced in England's schools from September, one year after they took effect in primaries.
They involve 14 nutrient-based standards. For example, the average secondary school lunch must contain no less than 7.5g protein and 5.2mg iron.They involve 14 nutrient-based standards. For example, the average secondary school lunch must contain no less than 7.5g protein and 5.2mg iron.
'Act now''Act now'
The caterers' association, LACA, is warning that the guidelines restrict choice because designing school menus would be too time consuming.The caterers' association, LACA, is warning that the guidelines restrict choice because designing school menus would be too time consuming.
It wants to offer one main meal conforming to the nutritional standards, but continue to offer individual items popular with students such as pizza or baguettes.It wants to offer one main meal conforming to the nutritional standards, but continue to offer individual items popular with students such as pizza or baguettes.
It warns that the "wide choice and a la carte menus" will change dramatically because the guidelines on vitamins and minerals are so restrictive.It warns that the "wide choice and a la carte menus" will change dramatically because the guidelines on vitamins and minerals are so restrictive.
Sarah Campbell reports
Neil Porter, LACA chairman, says the result of this will be that children will reject school food and buy lunch on the high street.Neil Porter, LACA chairman, says the result of this will be that children will reject school food and buy lunch on the high street.
"If the government is serious about the importance of school food in altering young people's eating habits and its contribution to reducing levels of obesity then it should act now," he said."If the government is serious about the importance of school food in altering young people's eating habits and its contribution to reducing levels of obesity then it should act now," he said.
LACA is responsible for catering in 86% of local authorities.LACA is responsible for catering in 86% of local authorities.
Take-up of school dinners is now starting to rise in primary schools.Take-up of school dinners is now starting to rise in primary schools.
But still under half of all pupils eat them - 43.6%.But still under half of all pupils eat them - 43.6%.
In secondary schools, take-up has fallen by over 5% since 2006.In secondary schools, take-up has fallen by over 5% since 2006.
Canteen cultureCanteen culture
Last year a study by the Nutrition Policy Unit at London Metropolitan University also warned that too many children were shunning healthier canteens in favour of local shops.Last year a study by the Nutrition Policy Unit at London Metropolitan University also warned that too many children were shunning healthier canteens in favour of local shops.
It suggested the inconvenience of queuing in uncomfortable and overcrowded canteens was a factor in driving pupils out of the school gates.It suggested the inconvenience of queuing in uncomfortable and overcrowded canteens was a factor in driving pupils out of the school gates.
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver used a television series to highlight the poor nutritional content of some school lunches, leading to a series of new guidelines.Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver used a television series to highlight the poor nutritional content of some school lunches, leading to a series of new guidelines.
Food standards were introduced by the Westminster government from September 2006 and standards for vending machines, breakfast clubs and tuck shops came into force a year later.Food standards were introduced by the Westminster government from September 2006 and standards for vending machines, breakfast clubs and tuck shops came into force a year later.
The School Food Trust was also set up in 2005, to try to raise the quality of school meals.The School Food Trust was also set up in 2005, to try to raise the quality of school meals.
It says the nutritional standards were established after working with a number of different schools, all of which were able to produce an appealing and varied menu.It says the nutritional standards were established after working with a number of different schools, all of which were able to produce an appealing and varied menu.
"The nutrient-based standards are challenging but there is a very valid reason for them."The nutrient-based standards are challenging but there is a very valid reason for them.
"It is important they are in place to ensure we promote the health, well being and achievements of students," a spokesperson said."It is important they are in place to ensure we promote the health, well being and achievements of students," a spokesperson said.