Schools in England are facing a debate over whether to ban cakes and biscuits from being served as part of school lunches due to their high sugar content. Food campaigners, including Action on Sugar, are calling for a change in the rules that currently allow these sugary snacks to be included in school meals.
Action on Sugar, a group of nutritionists and health experts from Queen Mary University of London, conducted an analysis that revealed some cakes, chocolates, and biscuits contain as much as 12 teaspoons of sugar. This has led to concerns about children exceeding their daily sugar limits by consuming these treats at school.
Dr. Kawther Hashem, a lecturer in public health nutrition at QMUL and head of research and impact at Action on Sugar, emphasized the need for a complete ban on cakes and biscuits in school lunches. The group believes that current school food standards are not in line with maximum sugar guidelines and are putting children at risk of diet-related diseases.
In addition to calling for a ban on sugary treats in schools, Action on Sugar is advocating for an extension of the sugar tax to cover other highly sugared products like confectionery. The group highlighted the potential impact of excessive sugar consumption on children’s health, citing examples where a child could consume up to 23 spoonfuls of sugar in a day from various sources.
While the government encourages schools to promote healthy eating and provide nutritious food and drinks, they are also focused on creating the healthiest generation of children by shifting towards prevention rather than treatment. New training programs for school governors aim to increase their understanding of school food standards and ensure that children have access to nutritious food throughout the school day.
The debate surrounding the ban on cakes and biscuits in school lunches raises important questions about the nutritional content of meals served to children. By addressing these concerns and promoting healthier eating habits, schools can play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of their students and helping them develop healthier lifestyles for the future.
