Scotland to introduce new healthy eating rules for school meals

Scotland is set to introduce new school meals laws in a bid to tackle childhood obesity.

The rules, due to come into force in autumn 2020, will include setting a maximum limit on the amount of red processed meat that can be eaten during a school week.

Once the change is made, Scotland will become the first country in the UK to introduce such a limit.

The move will see the existing 2008 school meals regulations replaced by newer guidelines.

The changes to the regulations will also include a requirement to ensure that at least two full servings of vegetables and a full serving of fruit are offered as part of school lunches, as well as full servings of fruit and/or vegetables.

Under new regulations, fruit juices and fruit cocktails will be banned from primary and secondary schools in a bid to reduce children’s sugar intake.

These measures are the result of extensive consultation and advice from a working group of experts in health, nutrition and education.

Deputy Prime Minister John Swinney said the changes would help tackle childhood obesity and give children the best start in life.

“The regulations governing food and drink in our schools go back more than a decade,” Mr Swinney said.

“With over 360,000 meals served every day, schools need to follow the latest scientific and dietary recommendations and encourage young people to choose healthy habits for life.

“Every school lunch will now include more fruit and vegetables and where food is served elsewhere in the school, full portions of fruit and vegetables must be provided.

“We have set maximum limits on the consumption of processed red meat, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer. This will also reduce exposure to harmful nitrites.

“We know that one small carton of fruit juice or smoothie contains more sugar than the recommended lunch portion of a primary school child, so these drinks will no longer be served in schools.

“These changes will improve the quality of school nutrition, help fight childhood obesity and give our children the best start in life.”

Claire Hislop, of NHS Health Scotland, said the legislation would help reduce inequalities in access to healthcare in Scotland.

Ms Hislop said: “The Technical Working Group has prioritised the health and wellbeing of children and young people in its recommendations, drawing on the latest evidence and knowledge of current school feeding practices.

“We welcome the changes to the food and drink offer in schools, which will help create an environment in which children can choose a healthy, balanced diet.

“We know that health is improving in Scotland, but not for everyone. Supporting children and young people in school is an important way to tackle these inequalities.

“Along with a range of other actions to support healthy diets, these new guidelines will help to improve health and reduce health inequalities in Scotland.”