Traditional fish and chips will banned from school lunches and puddings cut to twice a week in Labour crackdown... but there will be no end of lentils

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By ELEANOR HARDING, EDUCATION EDITOR

Published: 22:30 BST, 13 September 2026 | Updated: 22:30 BST, 13 September 2026

School lunch classics like fish and chips will be overhauled as part of a Government war on childhood obesity.

From next September, schools will no longer be allowed to serve deep-fried foods – and every meal must come with vegetables or salad.

It means the traditional 'fish and chips Friday' lunches loved by many pupils will still be permitted, but must be prepared using oven baking instead.

In addition, sweetened desserts such as cake, waffles and ice cream can only be served twice a week in secondary schools, and once in primary schools – and must include a portion of fruit.

Previously, cakes and desserts were allowed every lunchtime.

The new food standards, published by the Department for Education (DfE), were developed alongside nutritionists and are backed by campaigners including TV chef Jamie Oliver and actress Dame Emma Thompson.

However, last night the Tories criticised the reforms, saying there are 'much bigger things on the nation's plate'.

Matt Vickers, party deputy chairman, said: 'Our Armed Forces are crumbling, but Andy Burnham has decided his priority is taking pudding off the menu.

School lunch classics like fish and chips will be overhauled as part of a Government war on childhood obesity (file image)

'The only thing wobblier than Andy Burnham's defence policy is the jelly he's trying to ban.'

Under the new rules, all bread must be at least half wholemeal in its composition – whereas previously it could be all white.

There are also new restrictions on processed meat products, such as sausages and chicken nuggets, which can only be served once a week.

And all pasta must be at least 50 per cent wholewheat at least once a week.

Condiments will also have new regulations, with only reduced salt and sugar ketchup permitted and chocolate spread not allowed.

Meanwhile, breakfast clubs, which previously had no specifications, must not include pastries, fried eggs and high-sugar cereals.

Other restrictions will be placed on sugary drinks and foods high in fat and salt such as pizzas and sausage rolls.

Each school will be expected to publish their menus and food policies online to help boost compliance.

From next September, schools will no longer be allowed to serve deep-fried foods – and every meal must come with vegetables or salad (Pictured: Education Secretary Lucy Powell)

They will also be expected to nominate a school food governor who will hold schools to account for the meals on offer.

The DfE will work with the Food Standards Agency on a plan to monitor schools, with details to follow in the coming months.

The changes come in response to data showing around one in three children are leaving primary school overweight or obese, while tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for youngsters aged five to nine.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said: 'These are once-in-a-generation changes that will transform school food for children across the country.

'This is what change looks like: healthier food, fuller stomachs and a fairer start for every child.'

However, Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the ASCL heads' union, said: 'The current funding rate for free school meals is not enough to cover costs and many schools have to divert money from teaching and learning in order to afford this vital provision.