Update

Call for less meat in schools throws the baby out with the bathwater

Technical & Regulatory
May 30, 2025

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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.

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The British Meat Processors Association represents the majority of companies working in the British meat industry.

We are the UKs largest trade body for the meat industry and provide expert advice on trade issues, bespoke technical advice and access to government policy makers

We are proud to count businesses of all sizes and specialties as members. They range from small, family run abattoirs serving local customers to the largest meat processing companies responsible for supplying some of our best-loved brands to shops and supermarkets.

We are further strengthened by our associate Members who work in industries that support and supply our meat processing companies.

We are the voice of the British meat industry.

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