School Food Standards: Updating the Legislative Framework
Summary
The Department for Education and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities have launched an open consultation on updating the School Food Standards legislative framework. The existing Requirements for School Food Regulations 2014 have been in place for over 10 years and are no longer aligned with current dietary advice. The consultation seeks views from schools and stakeholders on revising these standards to better support children's health and healthy eating habits. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 12 June 2026.
“The existing standards have been in place for more than 10 years and no longer align with current dietary advice.”
What changed
The Department for Education and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities are seeking public views on revising the School Food Standards, which were established under the Requirements for School Food Regulations 2014. These regulations currently govern the nutritional standards for food and drink provided in schools across England.
Schools and food suppliers should monitor this consultation and consider submitting responses before the 12 June 2026 deadline. Updated standards may affect procurement practices, menu planning, and compliance obligations for school food providers. The government's stated commitment to improving children's health suggests that any revised standards could introduce stricter nutritional requirements than those currently in force.
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Apr 21, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Open consultation
School Food Standards: updating the legislative framework
From: Department for Education and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities Published 13 April 2026 Last updated 21 April 2026
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Applies to England
Summary
Seeking views on updating the School Food Standards, so that every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance.
This consultation is being held on another website.
This consultation closes at
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11:59pm on 12 June 2026
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Consultation description
The Requirements for School Food Regulations 2014 (known as the School Food Standards) provide the legislative framework to ensure schools in England provide children with healthy food and drink, and to make sure that children have the energy and nutrition they need across the school day.
The existing standards have been in place for more than 10 years and no longer align with current dietary advice.
The government is committed to improving children’s health, and school food is one important source of nutrition and plays a fundamental role in helping pupils develop healthy eating habits.
A British Sign Language (BSL) version of this consultation is available.
We have also published an Easy Read version. You can share your views by completing our survey.
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Updates to this page
Published 13 April 2026 Last updated 21 April 2026
1.
21 April 2026
We have added British Sign Language and Easy Read versions of the consultation document.
2.
13 April 2026
First published.
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