Work is hotting up on nutrient-based standards for food and drink in UK schools, with the School Food Trust (SFT) launching a new public consultation on the Code of Practice for drinks in schools.
The consultation is meant to help clarify what processors should be selling in schools. It is also intended to help them understand which drinks are most likely to support good nutrition in school children and will provide a framework for developing new products for school children.
The consultation, which is open to the public and those with an interest in school food and children’s diet, is available through the SFT website.
In addition, the SFT is meeting with the British Frozen Food Federation to pull together a comprehensive list of products that meet the nutrient-based standards for schools.
“We have a school meal project team to remind people of the nutritional value of frozen food,” said Brian Young, director general of the British Frozen Food Federation. “We have written off to groups including the SFT, ministers and the National Association of Head Teachers to promote the fantastic nutritional value of frozen food.”
The campaign forms part of a larger promotion of frozen food to the foodservice industry, backed by £200,000 worth of spend, said Young.
Meanwhile, the SFT is staging events in London and Manchester to help those supporting schools understand and apply standards.
The events are designed for those involved in supporting the application of nutrient-based standards for food in schools.
The London event will take place on February 12 at the Emirates Stadium (Arsenal Football Club). The northern event will be held at Manchester City Football Club on February 21.