Over two thirds of councils are yet to remove cured meats from school menus, experts have warned.
According to non-profit organisation Coalition Against Nitrites, 68% of local authorities still offer nitrite-cured meats in school meals.
Following a Freedom of Information request sent to 173 councils, the group’s research revealed that just 16% of local authorities have ceased to serve the processed meat, The Telegraph understands.
While only 41% of London schools are still serving meals including nitrite-cured meats, the research reportedly found that those outside the capital are not yet offering substitutes at the same rate.
The Coalition Against Nitrites has highlighted the carcinogenic qualities of nitrosamines in processed meats, with Cancer Research UK identifying the link between these types of processed meats and bowel cancer.
The research follows a study from the Food Foundation in May, which outlined the importance of reforming food guidelines in schools to reduce processed food and support children’s health.
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