School drinks consultation launched

The consultation, which is open to the general public and all those with an interest in school food and children's diet and is available through the School Food Trust (SFT) website. It also has the purpose of clarifying for manufacturers and caterers those drinks that are most likely to support good nutrition in school children and will provide a clear framework for the development of new products aimed at school children. Some of the principles underlying the Code of Practice, which has been developed in consultation with various bodies including representatives of the drinks industry, food wholesalers and distributors, include: Where children just need hydration or are thirsty, water is the preferred choice All other drinks should offer clear nutritional benefit. The vast majority of colourings, flavourings, preservatives, emulsifying agents and other additives are not necessary to produce safe, nutritious, flavourful drinks The consultation will last for twelve weeks, until February 29th and the School Food Trust will use it as the basis for ensuring that all drinks in schools offer nutritional benefit. Dr Michael Nelson, Director of Research at the School Food Trust said: "We are determined to ensure that all drinks in school are actually good for children and are consistent with what they learn in the classroom about healthy eating. "We hope that many people and organisations will offer us their view on this Code of Practice so this aim becomes reality." Peter Cooke, Chairman of Calypso Soft Drinks said: "After all the hard work done by the School Food Trust to improve the diet and health of the country's children, it was hugely disappointing that EC law made it impossible to enforce this improvement by law. "However, by setting up the Voluntary Code of Practice (VCoP), this valuable work has not gone to waste. "We believe that local education authorities, contract caterers and suppliers will all adhere to the new VCoP, not because it is the law, but because we all passionately want to improve the standard of food and drinks available in schools. "So we are confident that the SFT should still be able to achieve its original aims." To take part in the consultation visit www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk.