The School Food Trust (SFT) has rejected industry calls to relax tough new rules on food provision in schools, despite signs children are spurning healthier options.
Its spokeswoman said she understood that McCain's chips were low in fat and would meet SFT target nutrient standards, even though they were restricted under the 'food-based' standards.
However, she added: "If people see chips on the menu every day at school, whether they are low fat or not, it sends out the message that chips are OK. But most chips they buy outside school are not OK." The trust said it made "no apology" for its strict stance.
Companies that complained even 'healthy' versions of bagged snacks and diet soft drinks had been banned should accept that the SFT had to "draw a line in the sand", she added. "We're not here to keep manufacturers happy. We're here to protect the long-term health of children, change the food culture and instill good habits." While SFT figures showed that 30% of secondary schools had seen a drop in take-up [of meals], 30% had seen a small rise, she claimed.
Compass has reported reduced consumption of meals in secondary schools and McCain has released figures that reveal a 6% drop in take-up in November and December 2006, compared to June and July 2006.
Food-based standards for school meals ban fizzy drinks, confectionery and crisps and restrict the sale of manufactured meat products and fried foods, regardless of their nutritional profile. They will be followed in September by a controversial ban on all savoury snacks, except nuts, seeds and dried fruit, during breaks and via vending machines.
Fuel for Kids, maker of healthy drinks and snacks for children, called the restrictions "fanatical and counterproductive". Its founder, Chris Banks, added: "This is a blanket and unnecessary ban. It is possible to make healthy bagged snacks."
Coca-Cola Enterprises said: "Low-calorie soft drinks have a role to play in terms of hydration and the obesity debate. That has been accepted in Scotland, where schools allow diet soft drinks." Irene Carroll, chair of the Local Authority Caterers Association, said: "If teenagers don't like what's on offer, they vote with their feet."