Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to maintain food supplies for school dinners in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

In the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal, we are confident that schools will continue to be able to provide pupils with nutritious school meals. The UK has a high level of food security built upon a diverse range of sources including strong domestic production and imports from other countries. This will continue to be the case whether we leave the EU with or without a deal. The government is working in partnership with food suppliers to ensure there continues to be a flow of food into the country.

We would still expect schools to meet the School Food Standards in a no-deal scenario. Schools have a great deal of flexibility in the foods that they can deliver under the School Food Standards – if a particular product is not readily available, the standards allow schools a wide range of freedom to substitute in similar foods that are available.

Our guidance for schools in relation to this matter was last updated on 18 July and is published on GOV.UK at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-exit-no-deal-preparations-for-schools-in-england/eu-exit-no-deal-preparations-for-schools-in-england.