More fruit on the menu for Jersey primary schools

Friday, 18 September 2026 09:08

Cake and ice cream is off the menu at Jersey's primary schools for at least two days a week. Fresh fruit is being offered instead.

The change has been confirmed following Education signing a new contract with meals supplier Apetito Limited.

It comes in the same week new food guidelines were announced for England, which will make it compulsory for desserts to include fruit from next September.

Primaries here follow the Jersey School Food Standards, meaning those changes won't automatically apply here.

The Education department (CYPES) says the local standards already reflect or are better than the UK's.

"The JSFS were recently reviewed and updated following the introduction of hot school meals in Jersey primary schools and already reflect many of the principles underpinning the latest UK standards.

"In some areas, the JSFS are more detailed than the UK School Meals Standards, particularly in relation to nutritional requirements."

The new standards in England will include a ban on deep fried food. CYPES says they are already not permitted in Jersey.

However, the island's secondary schools do align to UK guidance rather than the Jersey School Food Standards.

New limits are being being imposed in England on the likes of cake, sausages and nuggets.

More fruit, veg, pulses and grain will be mandated.

CYPES has told Channel 103 schools here will 'ensure their menus remain compliant with the new food standards developed'.

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