Concerns over fatty food in nurseries

A Government-commissioned report says evidence suggests nursery meals are too high in sugar, salt and fat, and low in essential nutrients, while in some cases, youngsters are being fed adult-sized portions.

The study, by the School Food Trust, concludes that more must be done to make food healthy and nutritious.

The findings showed that while legislation restricts the use of additives in food aimed at babies and young children, it does not exist to protect children from being given additives at nurseries or childminders'.

The trust, established by the Department for Education and Skills, warns there is a "plethora" of guidance on healthy meals available to early-years providers, like nurseries and childminders, but there is a lack of knowledge, with many unaware of the guidance.

Strict new standards for food in primary and secondary schools have been introduced by Government, but they do not apply to early years.

The report says there are a number of driving forces to improve nursery food including "evidence suggesting that early years food provision is too high in fat, sugar and salt and too low in essential nutrients" and concerns childhood obesity.

A panel of experts is to review current standards and see if they could be improved.