Caterers, food groups and schools have been asked to respond to the School Food Trust’s proposals for food other than lunch.

The Government yesterday launched a four-week consultation period on plans to ban chocolate, sweets and crisps from all school outlets.

Click here to respond to the consultation paper’s 10 questions.

Other recommendations include making fruit and vegetables accessible to children in all school outlets and the availability of free drinking water.

Drinks should be limited to skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, pure fruit juices, yoghurts and milk drinks with less than 5% added sugar, according to the trust.

Schools Minister Jacqui Smith said: “The School Food Trust has produced a robust set of standards. It is important that we now seek the views of a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that they are effective, practical and in the best interests of children’s health.”

Click here to respond to the consulation paper or write your comments to: School Meals Consultation, The Consultation Unit, Department for Education and Skills, Area 1A, Castle View House, East Lane, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 2GL.

By Tom Bill

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