Beetroot ban gives food for thought in school crackdown

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on chips and crisps later in the day.

Calorie maximums for lunches are also laid out for the first timein the Scottish Government document, with primary children advisednot to consume more than 557 calories for lunch. Secondary pupilsare limited to 664.

The amount of acceptable fat, salt and sugar is also outlined inthe document, which is legally binding in primary schools now andfrom August next year in secondaries.

Teachers welcomed the document, which aims to help kitchen staffavoid hidden dangers in food, saying promotion of healthy eatingwas a key priority for schools.

A spokesman for Scotland's largest teaching union, the EIS, said:"Eating a healthy, balanced diet is good for pupils' health andalso can improve concentration and academic performance.

"Providing additional guidance for school catering staff onmeasures that can be taken to encourage young people to eat ahealthy and balanced diet is a positive move that should beapplauded."

The guidance follows an action plan published in June by theScottish Government to improve diet, increase physical activity andtackle obesity in children.

The guide, which allows catering staff to calculate the healthinessof meals, was launched by Adam Ingram, the children's minister, ata conference organised by school inspectorate HMIe in Dunfermline.

He said: "Schools have a central role to play in helping to improvethe health of the nation.

"We know that schools cannot change the eating habits of childrenalone and the Scottish Government is taking action on a number offronts to improve the diet in Scotland.

"But we need the help of all people involved in providing food inschools to work together with children, young people and parents toimprove the food we eat to achieve our aim of a healthierScotland."

Under the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition Act) (Scotland)2007, schools have an obligation to promote healthy living andprovide nutritious lunches under the guidelines.

The guidance