Parents in the London Borough of Merton have criticised primary school meals for their poor nutritional content, despite a major overhaul earlier this year.
"We have serious reservations about the 'improved' menus," said a spokeswoman for the Merton Parents group. "The improvements suggested by the primary care trust nutritionist and Merton Parents were overruled by the authority."
While the group welcomed the removal of "shaped" products from menus and the replacement of trays with plates, it believed the 20p rise, to £1.65 per meal, was not justified.
There is still an excess of carbohydrates and a lack of fruit and vegetables on menus, according to the group. "The only vegetable in a vegetable tart is two tomatoes shared between 10 children," she said.
A spokeswoman for Initial, which runs the primary school contract in Merton, dismissed the claims. "The menu has been dramatically improved over last term and is absolutely a work in progress. We've had great feedback without exception from head teachers in Merton."