High-sugar and deep-fried foods off the menu in schools in government bid to tackle childhood obesity

Foods that are high in sugar or deep-fried will be off the menu in schools across England as the government sets out new plans to tackle childhood obesity.

The changes, subject to a nine-week consultation from Monday, will see schools barred from offering "unhealthy" foods like sausage rolls and pizza every day, desserts restricted, and fried foods banned.

Instead, schools will be required to offer more higher-fibre wholegrains, such as wholemeal bread, brown pasta, and rice, and a portion of vegetables or salad alongside every main meal.

The aim is to reduce the number of obese children - one in three are leaving primary school overweight or obese, and tooth decay from high-sugar diets is the leading cause of hospital admissions for kids aged five to nine.

According to a poll conducted by the Department for Education last week, 74% of parents have at least one concern about their child's nutrition, with the biggest worries expressed around their child eating too much sugar (43%), having a varied enough diet (30%), and getting enough fruit and vegetables (30%).

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To ensure the changes are made, ministers are also developing a new "robust national enforcement system" that will monitor schools' compliance, expected to be in place from September 2027 - although secondary schools will have a further year to make the changes.

The government's plans have received backing from food campaigners, charities and nutritional experts, including actor and Food Foundation ambassador Dame Emma Thompson, who said she is "thrilled".

"School meals are a golden opportunity to support children's health, learning and wellbeing - and getting this right means children across the country can truly thrive," she said.

"This is a landmark moment for families, for the NHS, and for the future of our young people."

Chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver also endorsed the plans, saying he is "delighted" with the proposed changes.

"Twenty years ago, dog food had higher standards than school dinners. I've been banging the drum ever since because I refuse to accept our kids being fed anything less than proper, nourishing meals," he continued.

"School food is the UK's most important restaurant chain. From September, during term-time schools will provide two-thirds of a child's daily diet - a massive opportunity to improve health at scale. My Good School Food Awards prove that world-class meals are possible right now, and every child deserves that same quality.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the plans as "the most ambitious overhaul of school food in a generation", saying: "Every child deserves to have delicious, nutritious food at school that gives them the energy to concentrate, learn and thrive."

The announcement comes as over 500 new free breakfast clubs will open in primary schools this month, in addition to the 750 schools already offering one, which the government says will save parents up to £450 a year.

(c) Sky News 2026: High-sugar and deep-fried foods off the menu in schools in government bid to tackle chil