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 20 July 2008 18:14 BST

Scotland's pupils set for healthier lunches

Wednesday, 14 May 2008 09:39
Scottish pupils will have healthier lunches from August

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School pupils in Scotland are set for healthier lunches from August under new plans announced by the Scottish government.

The new food rules are part of the government's drive to establish healthy lifestyles at an early age.

Under the regulations schools must offer at least two portions of fruit and vegetables every lunchtime and deep fried food is limited to three items each week.

Schools must also ensure free drinking water is provided for pupils throughout the day.

Sweets and fizzy drinks will no longer be allowed in schools and chips will only be served as part of an overall balanced and nutritional meal.

Schools minister Maureen Watt said the healthier food regulations "will develop [pupils'] taste for the food that's good for them and stop unhealthy habits from taking hold".

The Scottish government also announced new guidelines on teaching health and wellbeing in schools and said schools will be expected to offer pupils a minimum of two hours of quality physical education every week.

"This government has already demonstrated how important we believe the early years of our children's lives are, particularly in relation to diet and pre-school education," said Ms Watt.

"Our nutritional guidance, early intervention and the forthcoming early years strategy all place children very firmly at the heart of our policies.

"But obesity is an increasing problem and poses a serious risk to health. That's why tackling the problem, particularly in early life, is a high priority and why we're determined to help children develop a taste for healthy eating at the earliest possible age."
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