NEWS: Third of Meat Eaten by Children Is Ultra-Processed

As reported in the Express, a report has found that over a third of the meat eaten by children, such as ham, chicken nuggets and sausages, is processed or ultra-processed

The report has raised alarm over the amount of processed and ultra-processed meat consumed by children in the UK, prompting calls to overhaul school meal standards. The Food Foundation, a leading food policy charity, has warned that items such as ham sandwiches and sausage rolls should no longer be served in schools due to associated health risks.

The report found that ham is the top meat dish served in schools and education institutions, followed by sausages, chicken/turkey, bolognese sauce and sausage rolls. These types of meat products are often high in salt, fat and additives linked to long-term health concerns.

The Food Foundation’s report found that children are eating proportionately more processed meat than grown ups and the charity called on the government to ensure that youngsters are provided with more balanced menus at school.

Rebecca Tobi, a manager at the foundation, said that the UK’s food system is “rigged against parents trying to feed their families healthy foods, with processed meat an affordable and all too available option when eating out of the home”.