Unhealthy snacks ‘to disappear from school menu’

The government has announced details of new primary school meals that will aim to provide healthier choices for young people.

“Unhealthy” snacks will disappear after parliament passed legislation this week.

As of August, no sweets or fizzy drinks will be available in primary schools and deep fried food will be limited to three items weekly.

Oily fish will be served once every three weeks and chips will only be offered if they form part of a nutritional and balanced meal.

Adam Ingram, minister for children and young people, said the “new-look” menus will help youngsters to benefit on a daily basis.

“Putting healthy options on a plate for pupils every day will develop their taste for the food that’s good for them and stop unhealthy habits from taking hold,” he added.

The move may be part of an attempt to lower childhood obesity rates. According to the Department of Health, a fifth of all under-16s in the UK are classified as obese.