OpenConsultation consultationoutcome

School Food Standards: updating the legislative framework

From:
Department for Education and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
PublishedPublished:
13 April 2026
Last updatedupdated:
21
14 AprilSeptember 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

School food standards: updating the legislative framework – government response

PDF, 320 KB, 36 pages

School food standards: updating the legislative framework – supplementary annexes

PDF, 407 KB, 37 pages

School food standards: updating the legislative framework – equality impact assessment

PDF, 455 KB, 24 pages

Detail of outcome

The consultation received 5,216 responses from parents, schools, caterers, local authorities, health organisations and other stakeholders.

We have published the government response, which summarises what respondents told us and sets out the government’s decisions to update the School Food Standards in England, including:

  • new breakfast standards
  • measures to increase fibre and reduce sugar
  • arrangements to support implementation in schools

Original consultation

Summary

Seeking views on updating the School Food Standards, so that every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance.

This consultation iswas being held on another website.

This consultation closesran atfrom
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Consultation description

The Requirements for School Food Regulations 2014 (known as the School Food Standards) provide the legislative framework to ensure schools in England provide children with healthy food and drink, and to make sure that children have the energy and nutrition they need across the school day.

The existing standards have been in place for more than 10 years and no longer align with current dietary advice.

The government is committed to improving children’s health, and school food is one important source of nutrition and plays a fundamental role in helping pupils develop healthy eating habits.

A British Sign Language (BSL) version of this consultation is available.

We have also published an Easy Read version. You can share your views by completing our survey.

Updates to this page

Published 13 April 2026
Last updated 2114 AprilSeptember 2026 href="#full-history">+— show Show all updates

  1. Added the government response, supplementary annexes and an equality impact assessment.

  2. We have added British Sign Language and Easy Read versions of the consultation document.

  3. First published.

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