Chefs back Oliver's campaign

Top chefs have said that Jamie Oliver's campaign to make school lunches healthier should be widened to prompt pub operators into addressing the problem of children's menus packed with processed foods.

The TV chef's new Channel 4 show Jamie's School Dinners, which exposes the poor standard of UK school food, should, say the chefs, inspire the trade to tackle the "chicken nugget and chips" children's menus found at many British pubs.

Paul Bloxham, co-owner and head chef at the Cabinet, at Reed, Royston, Hertfordshire, said: "We need a figurehead to address [the problem of] pubs offering kids fried fatty foods. It's up to the industry to tackle this problem. There are operators serving up junk food on menus decorated with cartoon characters. This must be banned because it encourages kids to eat unhealthily."

Oliver's campaign to boost the standard of school lunches is equally applicable to pub operators creating kids' food offers, according to Bloxham.

He added: "It may cost pubs more to offer healthier options but I'd rather give small versions of main menu meals for free than try to make money off the back of an unhealthy kids' menu."

Pubs should also rally behind Oliver's demand for better food education for the young, according to Craig Grant, proprietor/head chef at the Sorn Inn at Sorn, Ayrshire.

He said: "I think encouraging kids to eat healthily starts at home and in the classroom. But pubs can also do their bit. My staff offer to cook children fresh beef burgers and other dishes from the main menu in smaller portion sizes."

Are children's menus in need of a health makeover? Let us know your views by calling reporter Max Gosney on 01293 6120 234 or by e-mailing max.gosney@william-reed.co.uk