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 lasted for 12 weeks, ending on 29th February 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 explained: "We are determined to ensure that all drinks in schools 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/CEO of Calypso Soft Drinks adds: "After all the hard work done by the SFT 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 this valuable work has not gone to waste.

"At Calypso we believe that LEAs, private caterers and suppliers will all adhere to the new Voluntary Code of Practice, not because it is the law, but because we all passionately want to improve the standard of food and drinks available in schools. Therefore, we are confident that the SFT should still be able to achieve its original aims."

The School Food Trust is a non-departmental public body established by the DfES with a remit to transform school food and food skills, and promote the education and health of children and young people by improving the quality of food supplied and consumed in school. The Trust was tasked with taking forward the School Meal Review Panel's recommendations to transform school food and food skills to improve health and education for school age children and young people.

As the industry is well aware, new standards for school lunches were introduced in September 2006, while a further revision came into force in September 2007, together with standards for food other than lunch. New nutrient-based standards are to be launched in September 2008 for primary schools and in September 2009 for secondary and special schools.

http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/