All school meals must be sugar free by 2022

Responding to the report by the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons which calls for sugar free schools as a measure to tackle child tooth decay in England, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Judith Jolly said:

“It is upsetting to read that 23% of five year olds alone have evidence of tooth decay. Having too much sugar in the diet not only leads to tooth decay, but health problems stemming from obesity such as worse mental health and an increased risk of cancer.

“The dental problems are preventable and yet the Tories are failing to prevent them. Instead Boris Johnson has suggested reversing the sugar tax, whilst those producing this report highlight the sugar tax as a key recommendation in preventing tooth decay in children.

“Liberal Democrats demand better. In July, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran introduced a Bill that would restrict the serving of foods high in fat, salt or sugar in schools and to require all school meals to be free of added sugar by 2022.

“Much more needs to be done to improve the health of children across the UK. It is the responsibility of grown-ups, not children, to give everyone the healthiest start in life.

“With a bit more encouragement and support, it would not be difficult for schools to change out fizzy drinks for water, or bananas instead of biscuits. With healthier diets, exam results will improve, tooth decay will decline and slowly but surely, we will secure a healthier future for our entire community.”

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran introduced the School Food Bill on 22 July 2019, A Bill to amend the Requirements for School Food Regulations 2014 to further restrict the serving of foods high in fat, salt or sugar in schools and to require all school meals to be free of added sugar by 2022; to require all publicly-funded schools to adhere to those standards; and for connected purposes.