School lunches exposed as 'public health scandal' over ultra-processed foods

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 at least three-quarters of the menu consisted of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These meals, supplied by the catering company Chartwells, have now led the school to end its contract with the firm. Dr van Tulleken’s investigation revealed that the school’s meals were packed with UPFs—high in salt, sugar, and artificial ingredients. The catering company, Chartwells, supplies food to around 1,800 schools across the UK. Despite its claims of serving 'nutritious, ethically sourced food', the meals were found to contain unhealthy levels of processed ingredients.

The issue comes two decades after chef Jamie Oliver campaigned against Turkey Twizzlers in schools. Since then, catering firms have reportedly become better at disguising unhealthy ingredients in their products. Regular consumption of UPFs has been linked to serious health risks, including heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and dementia. In response, the Department of Education is conducting a major review of school food standards. Updated guidelines, set to take effect in September 2027, will restrict foods high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar. However, the new rules will not explicitly ban ultra-processed foods. Chartwells maintains that it improves the nutritional value of its meals through fortification and reformulation.

The school has decided to terminate its contract with Chartwells following Dr van Tulleken’s findings. The Government’s updated food standards aim to limit unhealthy options in schools, though they stop short of banning UPFs outright. The changes will take effect in 2027, leaving current school menus under scrutiny until then.