MANDATORY STANDARDS FOR THE QUALITY OF FOOD SERVED IN NURSERIES

That this House is aware that the younger the child, the more vulnerable their health to the effects of poor quality food and nutrition; is alarmed that more than one in every five children starts school already overweight or obese and that this makes them more likely to suffer from serious health problems later in life; notes that existing regulation for food served in early years daycare is inadequate and does not prohibit the serving of foods high in salt, fat, sugar and artificial additives that are prohibited or restricted in primary and secondary schools; is concerned that nursery catering staff are not required to undertake training in nutrition; and calls on the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families to follow the Soil Association's Better Nursery Food Now campaign recommendations to implement mandatory standards for the quality of food served in all nurseries.