Story perspectives

England to Overhaul School Food: More Fibre, No Fried

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department for Education announced a revamp of England’s school food standards requiring more fibre, banning fried items and starting in September 2027.
Caterers and Bidfood warn the legume-heavy standards could make meals financially unsustainable and strain supply chains as imported legumes face 50-70 % food-price inflation.
School Food Matters says funding, not standards, is the main issue, noting government spends £1.5 billion on meals and will extend eligibility to universal-credit households.

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Story summary

The Department for Education announced a revamp of England’s school food standards requiring more fibre, banning fried items and starting in September 2027.
Caterers and Bidfood warn the legume-heavy standards could make meals financially unsustainable and strain supply chains as imported legumes face 50-70 % food-price inflation.
School Food Matters says funding, not standards, is the main issue, noting government spends £1.5 billion on meals and will extend eligibility to universal-credit households.