§ Charlotte AtkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department issues to health authorities regarding(a) the level of fat, (b) the proportion of sugar, (c) the amount of fibre, (d) the amount of fresh fruit and (e) the amount of fresh vegetables in the diet of schoolchildren. [79324]
§ Ms JowellThe Department has not issued any guidelines to health authorities regarding schoolchildren's dietary needs. However, the Department offers general advice on healthy eating which applies to everyone over the age of 5 years. This is contained in "The Balance of Good Health" which shows the different types and proportion of five categories of foods, including fruits and vegetables, which make up a well-balanced and healthy diet. "Eight Guidelines for a Healthy Diet" extends this advice to cover the important dietary changes needed to eat healthily.
Fieldwork for the joint Department of Health/Department for Education and Employment National Diet and Nutritional Survey of young people aged 4 to 18 years has been completed and the results are being analysed. A report is expected at the end of this year. We hope the report will help inform the way forward for health promotion initiatives and public health strategies to improve the diet of schoolchildren.