No Food Regulations in UK Nurseries. Processed food, sugary drinks and biscuits are still on some nursery menus

Foods such as crisps, chips and biscuits are being given to children in small percentage of the UK nurseries, revealed recent research from governing body Ofsted. Junk or processed foods, banned or restricted in schools, still appear on nursery some menus. A parallel survey indicated that some nurseries in England and Wales are serving processed foods, sugary drinks and foods high in additives, salt and fat.

According to England’s Department for Children, Schools and Families, it is a legal requirement in all childcare settings, including childminders, nurseries and day care, that where children are provided with meals, snacks or drinks, these must be healthy, balanced and nutritious.

But what happens in practice? – A small per cent of UK nurseries were found to be spending as little as 25p a day. Oil-rich fish such as salmon, or sardines were only served in 8% of them.

Parents expect the food their children eat at nursery to meet regulatory and nutritional guidelines, and not to include additives unsuitable for young children. But one fifth of the parents, taking part in a recent survey, described the food at their nursery as poor or mediocre.

Organic foods are more nutritious, and they contain higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron as well as antioxidants important for skin, cancer-fight and overall health. Cooking with organic ingredients is the only way to reduce the chemicals your baby or toddler is exposed to. Go to Why Go Organic section for further information: http://www.greenkiddie.co.uk/Goorganic.php, and get some homemade healthy recipe ideas here: http://www.greenkiddie.co.uk/Recipes.php

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Leave a Comment June 30, 2009