Dairy UK welcomes the return of milk to schools

The UK Department of Education has unveiled its new food standards regulations, which will come into effect on 1 January 2015 and aim to clamp down on sugary and fried products. It also will reintroduce milk as a part of school children’s diets.

The government states that semi skimmed milk should be available every day in order to address concerns about low calcium levels in children. Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK says, “The habits children pick up at an early age can have a major effect on their health in later life. It is essential children get the best possible start and that means encouraging a healthy diet and helping them reach their growth potential at a normal weight.

“We are confident that with the adoption of the revised standards, more and more schools will place an emphasis on the promotion of milk consumption as part of a balanced diet within the regular school day. Encouraging milk consumption alongside that of fruits and vegetables as part of a package of measures can help to improve the diets of the nation’s children.”