- Analysis of almost 400 state secondary schools in England by food charity Bite Back revealed that three out of four schools are breaching official food standards by regularly serving unhealthy options such as chicken nuggets, hash browns, crisps and sugary desserts.
- More than 200 surveyed schools offered items high in fat, sugar or salt during all mealtimes including breakfast, violating rules that limit permissible school snacks exclusively to fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
- The report found widespread non-compliance regarding hot food regulations, with 57 per cent of schools serving processed meats like sausages and burgers more than the permitted twice a week, and over a third selling fried starchy foods like hash browns too frequently.
- A survey of 2,000 students revealed that 56 per cent of pupils relying on free school meals depend on packaged "grab and go" items like pizza slices and pastries for lunch, with many students reporting that these choices fail to provide sufficient energy.
- The findings emerge as ministers prepare to overhaul school food standards to promote healthier choices like wholegrains and vegetables, a policy shift supported by 72 per cent of parents who want government checks to ensure compliance.
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