Lib Dems: Ban is long overdue

Friday, 19, May 2006 12:00

The Liberal Democrats have said a ban on junk food in school meals is long overdue, after the government’s pledge today to improve school dinners.

The Department for Education and Skills announced a new set of standards removing foods high in salt and fat from the menu.

Lib Dem education spokeswoman Sarah Teather said: "Nine years and a celebrity chef later we have a junk food ban. This government has a lot to be modest about.

"Today government spokespeople have talked about undoing ‘decades of neglect’ – presumably including Labour’s eight wasted years in tackling childhood obesity.”

She said the Lib Dems have long proposed nutrition standards in schools, and have been an "integral part" of the successful Scottish model.

"The government must now turn its mind to proper nutritional education, sports in school and the role of parents in encouraging healthy eating behaviour,” she added.