Sep23New food legislation and school menu changes

New standards govern the levels of vitamins, minerals, fats, sugars and salt in children’s diet.

The new legislation finalises the original food-based standards introduced in 2006. These examined the proportions of protein, fibre, and carbohydrate on school menus and restricted weekly servings of items such as chips.

Together, the two sets of standards are designed to wean youngsters off the unhealthy, high-fat, chip-heavy diets. It is hoped they will tackle some of the health problems directly related to poor diet and obesity.

Younger children are more receptive to healthy eating messages, eat in a more controlled environment, and are not allowed to leave the premises at lunchtime. Many are optimistic about the future because the good eating habits aquired by children today will be taken with them to secondary school.