More than three-quarters of secondary school menus in England fail to meet current food standards, according to new research from youth-led campaign group Bite Back.
The charity analysed menus from almost 400 state-funded secondary schools and found 76% contained at least one breach, including crisps and chocolate offered at breakfast, and processed meats like sausage rolls served more often than rules allow.
The findings come as the Government prepares to introduce updated School Food Standards alongside the expansion of Free School Meals.
Polling of over 1,000 parents found 72% want the Government to introduce checks ensuring schools comply with the new rules.
Bite Back's chief executive, D'Arcy Williams, said the results show a system that is ‘fundamentally failing our children.’ The charity is calling for stronger, independently monitored enforcement once the new standards take effect.
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