Following revelations published by the BBC
that Scottish councils could be wasting a fortune by importing food for school
dinners which could easily be sourced locally, Education Secretary John Swinney
has announced that a review of school meal standards will take place across the
country.
Food Standards Scotland, NHS Health Scotland and Education
Scotland will work together to ascertain where improvements can be made. Mr
Swinney has placed particular emphasis on making sure that food is “sourced as
locally as possible.”
Mr Swinney further states that while he believes Scotland to
already have some of the highest standards in Europe, he is always keen to
pursue further improvement:
“School food matters, in terms of what children eat and what
they learn about. With almost 366,000 school meals served up in Scottish
schools every day we must ensure nutritional standards are the best they can
be.
“I also want children, especially primary pupils, to have as
many of their 'five a day' as they can and for food to be sourced as locally as possible.
“Since our internationally-admired school meal regulations
were introduced in 2008, the scientific evidence and dietary advice has
changed. Nearly a decade on, the time is right to review whether school food provision
can be further improved.”
Continuing to stress the importance of the provision of adequately
nutritious food in schools, health education spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives,
Brian Whittle, spoke of his views on the situation, insisting that, “It's
absolutely appalling that we're not buying products for our schools and
hospitals from here in Scotland.
“Our farmers produce the highest quality of food, ensure
high standards of animal welfare and pay a minimum wage. To not then buy their
goods is scandalous, and I'm delighted that John Swinney is finally coming to
terms with this.”
Mr Swinney also provided further detail on the review
process:
“The short-life working group I have established is
examining the scientific and technical detail of the latest evidence and advice
regarding nutritional standards.
“Once that group reports back this summer, I will then seek
the views of young people, parents, industry, catering and other stakeholder
groups before taking forward any potential changes.”
Sam Bonson
Sam
is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He is currently
working as a content writer, journalist & editor in an attempt to expand
his horizons.
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