§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what steps he is taking to reduce the amount of salt in school meals; and if he will make a statement; [158647]
(2) what research his Department has carried out into the salt content of school meals; and if he will make a statement. [158648]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggThe Department's guidance 'Healthy School Lunches' makes various recommendations for reducing salt in cooking and what to use as an alternative. The guidance can be viewed on the website www.dfes.gov.uk/schoollunches
1106WThe Department for Education and Skills, together with the Food Standards Agency, has taken forward a project looking at school meals in 80 secondary schools in England. The project is assessing the food provided; consumption; and nutrient intake. The project is also looking at the use of salt in food preparation and availability at meal times. The results of this research will be published late spring 2004, and will inform future policy decisions on this issue.