New healthy eating policy in schools thanks to Assembly back-bencher

20 October 2009

School meals will be healthier and more tightly regulated under a new measure introduced by the National Assembly for Wales today.

The Healthy Eating in Schools (Wales) Measure 2009 has received Royal Approval and becomes the first measure proposed by a back-bench Assembly Member to be written into Welsh law since devolution ten years ago.

It requires all local authorities and schools in Wales to promote healthy eating and drinking and will mean the introduction of maximum limits in the amounts of fat, salt and sugar allowed in school meals and drinks.

The measure is designed to help tackle the growing rate of obesity in Wales. According to the Welsh Government around one in five 13 year olds are overweight or obese.

Cardiff Central AM Jenny Randerson introduced the proposed measure in March 2008 after her name was drawn from a member’s ballot.

“This measure is not about raising our children on salad leaves, it’s about offering a nutritionally balanced diet in our schools and promoting healthy eating to children. Too often we see and hear stories in the media about the rising rates of obesity across the country. This measure requires the Welsh Government, local authorities and schools to set and meet uniform standards across Wales to combat the problem,” said Mrs Randerson AM.

She added, “I am absolutely delighted this is the first measure from a back-bench Assembly Member to pass into Welsh law. It shows the new powers given to the Assembly can make real changes to help make a positive difference for the people of Wales.”