School Food Standards

Government final food-based standards and nutrient-based standards

  • Schools must comply with the final food-based and nutrient-based standards by September 2008 (primary) and September 2009 (secondary, special and PRUs).
  • The Government’s standards for nutritional content of school lunches became law in September 2009 for all local authority maintained secondary schools, special and boarding schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) in England. Nutrient-based standards for primary schools became law in September 2008.
  • There are 14 nutrient-based standards setting minimum levels for vitamin and mineral content, maximum levels for fats, sugars and salt content and average levels for energy.
  • These standards are in addition to the already established Government interim food-based standards which set minimum requirements for healthier food and restrictions on less healthy food.
  • EDUCO finds caterers who can meet these standards and provide a healthy balanced meal for your pupils. Crucially, we have a track record of increasing meal uptake ensuring more of your pupils benefit from your school meal service.
  • The Government’s National Healthy Schools Programme (NHSP) set a target of ensuring that all schools were participating in the programme and 75% achieved National Healthy School Status by December 2009.
  • Schools are required to address Healthy Eating as one of four themes to achieve National Healthy School Status.