England Schools: Deep-Fried Foods Banned

England is set to tighten school food standards from September 2027 , with new rules that will remove deep-fried items from menus and require more fruit in desserts, according to the English government. Officials described the move as the first major revision to the standards in 13 years and said it is intended to improve children’s diets and support better outcomes in school.

Under the updated regulations, schools will no longer be allowed to serve any deep-fried foods. The government said the ban will cover items such as battered fish and chicken nuggets. Desserts will also face stricter requirements: school puddings will need to contain at least 50% fruit.

The new approach marks a clear shift from the current framework. At present, schools are permitted to serve two portions of deep-fried food each week and can offer three desserts per week that contain less than 50% fruit. The government said the revised standards are designed to raise nutritional quality across school meals by limiting foods typically higher in fat and increasing fruit content in sweet dishes.

Officials linked the policy to public health concerns, pointing to January 2024 data from the NHS. That data showed 24% of nursery and primary school children were overweight or obese. The government said the updated standards are part of efforts to address childhood obesity rates and improve children’s nutritional intake.

Alongside the regulatory changes, a new support effort is being organized to help schools prepare. Five education and food organizations have formed the School Food Project, which is intended to provide practical assistance to schools as they shift toward healthier meal options. The initiative has raised £2.3 million, according to the project’s backers.

The School Food Project is scheduled to launch in September 2026. Organizers said this timing is designed to align with the finalization and publication of the new standards, giving schools a runway to adjust procurement, menus, and kitchen practices before the September 2027 start date.