Call for less meat in schools throws the baby out with the bathwater
A new report by the Food Foundation, is calling for the UK government to revise its guidance requiring English schools to serve meat at least three times a week. The charity highlights that children consume a higher proportion of processed meats—such as bacon, ham, and sausages—than adults, with over a third of their meat intake being processed.
The report, like many others, conflates the health risks associated with processed meats and red meat (which has been robustly challenged) and advocates for a blanket reduction in all meat in school meals.
We've always maintained that government policy and guidance should promote healthier diets. Crucially, this should involve eating fresh, whole foods that include fruit, vegetables and fresh meat as part of a balance diet. What this report suggests it throwing the baby out with the bathwater by cutting out fresh red meat as well as more processed products.