New nutritional standards for school meals will be revealed by the Government on Friday (19 May), the Department for Education and Skills has confirmed to Caterer.

The long-awaited announcement will cover details on food-based standards, nutrient-based standards and rules for food other than lunch.

New education minister Alan Johnson is expected to give a series of television interviews to publicise the new regulations.

Caterers have been waiting for Government guidance in order to plan menus and agree deals with suppliers for the next school year but some have said it has come too late in the day.

Kevin MacKay, chairman of the Local Authority Caterers Association, said last week: “It's very late in the day as it is. Caterers and contractors need to know where they stand as soon as possible.”

School caterers slam Government delay in publishing new school meal standards >>

Release of the new nutritional standards for school meals delayed >>

By Tom Bill

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.