Petition · Department for Education
End the mandatory meat requirement in English school meals
Closed
669 signatures
What the petition asks
Remove the mandatory requirement in the Requirements for School Food Regulations 2014 requiring maintained schools and academies to serve meat or poultry three days per week. We believe this rule conflicts with environmental goals and health guidance on reducing meat consumption.
High meat consumption can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in children. It is estimated that animal agriculture generates 14.5% of global greenhouse emissions and can drive deforestation. It can cause immense animal suffering—billions of chickens, pigs, and cattle confined in factory farms before slaughter. This regulation requires schools to support an industry which we feel is harmful to health, environment, and animal welfare. Schools should have freedom to serve sustainable, compassionate meals.
Timeline
| 3 Dec 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 3 Jun 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
669
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Education
Opened
3 Dec 2025
Closed
3 Jun 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 3 Aug 2026.