MSC-certified fish now served in one in six primary schools
One in six UK primary schools is now serving Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified sustainable fish, according to a report published by the MSC.
More than 500 schools have become MSC certified in the past year, an 18% increase in schools offering their pupils demonstrably sustainable fish.
The MSC attributes the change to the new School Food Standards, which came into force in January this year.
Henry Dimbleby, one of the authors of the School Food Standards, said: "This report highlights the impact of the School Food Plan on the sourcing of fish in schools. It shows a strong start, though there is still a long way to go. Thousands more school pupils eating sustainable fish, supporting sustainable fishing and learning how to protect the marine environment: that's a fantastic legacy to leave our children.
"The evidence is clear: eating fish, and particularly oily fish, is good for developing brains and bodies. But while feeding children well today, we also need to protect their future. That's why we recommended sustainably-sourced, MSC certified fish."
Toby Middleton, programme director at the MSC, said: "We've seen a significant increase in schools serving MSC-certified fish and a renewed interest in oily fish. Under the School Food Standards, schools are required to serve oily fish every three weeks and they recommend MSC-certified fish.
"With the standards coming into force in January, we've seen renewed commitments from LEAs and their suppliers coupled with a real shift in attitudes toward sustainable fish sourcing."
MSC-certified fish is now served in 17% of UK primary schools.
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