School lunches branded a 'public health scandal' over ultra-processed meals

A public health adviser has described school lunches at her son’s primary school as a 'public health scandal'. Dr Dolly van Tulleken discovered that most meals served were ultra-processed, packed with salt, sugar, and artificial additives. Her findings have now prompted the school to cut ties with its catering provider. Dr van Tulleken examined the menu at her son’s Sussex primary school and found that over 75% of the meals were ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These dishes, supplied by Chartwells—a company serving 1,800 schools across the UK—were high in unhealthy ingredients linked to serious conditions like heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

The issue comes two decades after chef Jamie Oliver’s campaign against Turkey Twizzlers led to stricter school food rules. Yet catering firms have since adapted, concealing unhealthy components in meals that appear compliant. Despite growing evidence of UPFs’ risks, the Government’s upcoming 2027 review of school food standards will not ban them outright. Instead, it will restrict deep-fried items, boost fruit and vegetable portions, and limit foods high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar. Following Dr van Tulleken’s intervention, the Sussex school has decided to end its contract with Chartwells. She has also criticised ministers for ignoring UPFs in the new guidelines, arguing that current standards still allow harmful foods into children’s diets.

The school’s decision to drop Chartwells follows concerns over the health impact of ultra-processed meals. Without a specific ban on UPFs, campaigners warn that similar dishes could remain common in schools. The Government’s updated standards will introduce some restrictions but stop short of addressing the core issue raised by Dr van Tulleken.