BSLM Responds to the Government’s New School Food Standards Sept 2026
By Dr Camille Hirons, Vice President, BSLM
18th Sep, 2026
As of the 14th of September this year, the Department of Education have announced they have updated school food standards in England. This is expanding on the current established School Food Regulations 2014, and subject to Parliamentary approval, this change will take effect from September 2027.
You can read more about this change here
Our Vice President, Dr Camille Hirons, has provided the below statement on our behalf
“Nourishing our children: prevention, equity and the environments we create.
The Government’s updated school food standards in England provide an important opportunity to consider how the environments we create can shape children’s health and wellbeing.
From a Lifestyle Medicine perspective, prevention begins long before illness develops. Ensuring nutritious, enjoyable food is accessible in schools can help establish positive relationships with food early in life and address health inequalities.
But creating healthier futures cannot be the sole responsibility of children and families. We need action across government, education, healthcare and the wider food system, alongside appropriate support for schools.
Healthy school food should be nourishing, appealing and culturally inclusive, without shame or removing the pleasure from eating.
Creating the conditions in which every child can thrive is prevention in practice.”
If you’re interested in our overall stance on one of our six pillars, healthy eating, please read for further information and resources here.