Question reference: S6W-00269
- Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 3 June 2021
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Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 7 June 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what advice it provides to local authorities regarding the number of meat-based options there should be on school-meal menus; what discussions it has with Dumfries and Galloway Council regarding that local authority's decision to have fewer such options for its schools; whether it is aware of reports that parents in Dumfries and Galloway have expressed concerns regarding this policy, and whether any parents have contacted it about the matter.
Answer
The Scottish Government expects all local authorities to comply with the school food and drink Regulations which are based on up to date scientific evidence and dietary advice about what energy and nutrients children and young people need in order to grow and develop healthily. The Regulations provide detailed specifications that must be met as food and drink is offered in schools and the accompanying guidance ‘Healthy Eating in Schools’ provides practical advice about how to meet the Regulations. The Regulations and guidance include specifications for and advice on meat provision in schools.
As long as the Regulations are being met, it is for local authorities to decide what meals to include on menus and as such the Scottish Government do not routinely monitor school menus. We have not been contacted by parents from Dumfries and Galloway about this matter. If parents do raise concerns about school menus we advise them to provide feedback to their local authority who can take this into account as they develop future menus.