School food is changing
For schools, caterers, and suppliers alike, it’s important to be prepared. A nutritious meal is more than just food on a plate; it supports children’s concentration, behaviour, and long-term health. Yet current data shows many pupils are consuming too much sugar and not enough fibre, contributing to rising levels of obesity and diet-related health issues.
In response, the Government is updating the 2014 School Food Regulations as part of its 10 Year Health Plan for England. These updated regulations will place greater emphasis on reducing sugar, fat and processed products.
As a trusted catering butcher, we are committed to helping schools navigate these changes—providing compliant, high-quality products that support healthier menus without compromising on taste, value.
Time Frames
The 12th of June is the consultation deadline for submitting feedback to the Department of Education. Before this date you can offer your views on the guidance here.
https://consult.education.gov.uk/school-food-policy-team/school-food-standards-updating-the-leg-framework/
- Primary schools are to implement changes to menus to meet legislation.
- The Department Of Education intends to formally announce how the new standards will be monitored and enforced.
- Primary schools must be fully compliant with the new legislation
- Secondary schools to implement changes to work toward compliance
- Secondary Schools must fully comply to the legislation
Changes Affecting Protein
Affected Item | 2014 Standards | 2026 Proposals |
Main Protein | Meat or poultry to be provided 3 or more times a week | Meat, poultry or pulses to be provided 3 or more times a week |
Meat Products | Primary School - Meat / Poultry products limited to once a week Secondary School - - Meat / Poultry products limited to twice a week | Meat / Poultry products limited to once a week (Burgers, Meatballs, Smoking, Curing, Salting & Adding Preservative) |
Combined Limit | Breadcrumb, Pastry & Battered items have individual limits of twice per week | Meat Products, Breadcrumb, Pastry & Battered items are grouped and and only two items can be served each week |
Meat Alternatives | Plant based meat alternatives have no frequency limit | Products sold as meat alternatives limited to twice per week |
Grab & Go | No requirement for inclusion of fibre | Grab & go mail meals must contain vegetables or salad |
Working Through The Changes
The banning of frying and grouping of Meat Products, Breadcrumb, Pastry & Battered products whilst phasing Cheese as a main ingredient to once a week for Pizza and Paninis is intended to diversify menus across the board.
To help menu diversify and tweak menus, we can confirm marinated items are not classified as 'Meat Products' nor do popular meals made from scratch like Spaghetti Bolognese and the humble Curry. These items are all permitted in Main Protein Section.
