Schools Minister Jacqui Smith today launched a consultation with key stakeholders on standards for food which can be sold in schools through vending machines, tuck shops and at break times, breakfast clubs and after school.

Headteacher and school workforce associations, dieticians, health charities, and food and drink organisations are invited to submit their views on draft standards proposed today by the independent School Food Trust for school food other than lunch.

The consultation will seek the views of key stakeholders on the standards proposed by the independent School Food Trust, especially on the following questions:

* Do you agree that no confectionery should be sold in schools?
* Do you agree that no bagged savoury snacks other than nuts and seeds (without added salt or sugar) should be sold in schools?
* Do you agree that a variety of fruit and vegetables should be available in all school food outlets? This could include fresh, dried, frozen, canned and juiced varieties
* Do you agree that children and young people must have easy access at all times to free, fresh, preferably chilled, water in schools so that children do not have to depend on going to the lavatory to get water?
* Do you agree that the only other drinks available should be bottled water (still or sparkling), skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, pure fruit juices, yoghurt and milk drinks (with less than 5 per cent added sugar), drinks made from combinations of these e.g. smoothies, low calorie hot chocolate, tea and coffee?