Top dentists call for positive action on school meals

The call comes in the Faculty's submission to the Scottish Government's national consultation on the nutritional requirements for food and drink in schools, which closed in August.

The Faculty, which represents over a thousand dentists and trainees, called for schools to take unhealthy puddings off their lunchtime menus, and instead offer pupils a healthier choice of soup or fruit.

Publishing their submission to the consultation, faculty dean Professor Graham Ogden welcomed the overall process, but called for a bolder approach from the Scottish Government. Professor Ogden said, "We fully support the positive intention of these proposed regulations, but we feel that the Scottish Government should take a bolder approach if it's to ensure that our young people have the healthiest possible start in life.

"For example, we all agree that children should have greater access to more fruit and vegetables as part of their school day, but increasing access does not necessarily increase consumption. The guidance must include an evidence-based plan to ensure any increase in provision also ensures that our young people consume larger amounts of healthier food during school meals.