The government has introduced a new standard for controlling the food available in schools, which will mean a complete ban of crisps, confectionery and fizzy drinks.
The new standard became law this month as schools
re-opened following the summer holidays. The legislation deals primarily with school lunches, but also focuses on vending machines and tuck shops.
The standards set out for school lunches will be applied to vending and tuck shops from September 2007, however the government expects schools to introduce these standards as soon as possible in anticipation of the deadline.
The legislation sets out that no confectionery should be sold in schools. Savoury snacks other than nuts and seeds are also ruled out, along with sweetened soft drinks.
It advocates that instead of these products a variety of fruit and vegetables should be available in all school food outlets.