Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEllie NgMonday 14 September 2026 06:56 BSTMore children now obese than underweight for first time everSchool food guidelines in the UK are undergoing their first major overhaul in more than a decade to combat youth obesity and tooth decay.The new rules will restrict sugary desserts, deep-fried items, and foods high in salt and fat, while mandating more fruit, vegetables, and high-fibre options.The measures coincide with an expansion of free school meals to all pupils in England whose families receive universal credit.Education Secretary Lucy Powell hailed the reforms as once-in-a-generation changes, with rollout set to begin next September.Teaching unions have warned that the government must provide additional funding so schools do not have to divert money from core teaching budgets to cover costs.In fullUK schools to cut sugary desserts and fried food in major health standards overhaulMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in