The government is set to announce a ban on unhealthy foods in English school meals and vending machines.
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Education Secretary Ruth Kelly is to announce the ban, which will come into force from next September, during the current Labour Party conference, reported BBC News Online.
Foods containing high levels of fat, salt or sugar will be removed from meals and vending machines in schools in a bid to encourage children to eat more healthily.
Nutritional standards for schools in England are to be announced next week by the School Meals Review Panel, the BBC said. The standards can be introduced when they are announced, but will not become compulsory until next September.
“I am absolutely clear that the scandal of junk food served every day in school canteens must end,” Kelly is reportedly to say in her speech. “So today I can announce that we will ban poor quality processed bangers and burgers being served in schools from next September.”
In order to allow children to have healthy options throughout the day, there will also be a ban on vending machines selling crisps, chocolate or sugary fizzy drinks in schools.
School meals will be monitored by the schools inspection body, Ofsted.
