CYP Now - School meals: Over-consulting blamed for late implementation of standards

The Government has been accused of "over-consulting" on school food standards as it emerged that the proposed changes may not be implemented until next year.

Schools minister Jacqui Smith last week announced a second consultationon the types of food that can be sold in vending machines and tuckshops.

It follows opposition from the food industry, which has been lobbying towater down the proposals put out for consultation last year. So far theindustry has failed to win any major concessions from the Government,but there is some concern that a second consultation could open thedoor.

The second consultation comes six months after the Government's SchoolMeals Review Panel launched a wide-ranging consultation on all aspectsof school food (Children Now, 5-12 October 2005). The consultationproposed a ban on junk food in vending machines alongside new standardsfor healthy school dinners.

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