00:00New calls to rethink how meat is served in England schools.
00:05A leading food charity is urging the government to revise current school meal guidelines
00:10to reduce children's intake of processed and red meat and to promote more plant-based options instead.
00:18A report by the Food Foundation found that children are eating a higher proportion of processed meat compared to adults.
00:25According to the study, 36% of meat consumed by children is processed, such as bacon, ham or sausages, compared to 29% for adults.
00:36In schools and educational settings, the study found that 80% of the most commonly served meat-based dishes are either red or processed meats.
00:46Under current government guidance, schools are required to provide a portion of meat or poultry at least three days a week.
00:53These standards aim to ensure students receive a balanced diet.
00:58But the Food Foundation is calling for that requirement to be relaxed.
01:03The charity wants to see a clear strategy to promote the consumption of fruits, vegetables and legumes.
01:10It also says government procurement rules for public institutions should be strengthened, following a full review of food standards.
01:18Rebecca Tobey from the Food Foundation said it's worrying that children are eating so much processed meat, especially in schools, where meals should be nourishing.
01:29She said the government should review the government buying standards for food and school food standards to ensure they align with the latest health and sustainability recommendations.
01:40She said this includes relaxing the rule requiring schools to serve meat at least three times a week and reducing the amount of processed meats served.
01:49The report also looked beyond schools.
01:52It found that around 80% of meat-based meals from fast food outlets involved processed or highly processed meat.
02:00In casual dining chains, bacon and sausages are among the five most commonly ordered dishes.
02:08Processed meats, often high in salt and saturated fats, have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization.
02:16In response, a government spokesperson has said that through the plan for change, this government is determined to give every child the best start in life,
02:25which includes creating the healthiest generation of children in our history.
02:29In response, a government is determined to give every child the best start in life.
