Row as nurseries ban full-fat milk

A SCOTTISH Government directive banning children as young as three from drinking full-fat milk in nurseries and schools has provoked a storm of criticism from nutritionists.

FULL FAT Full fat milk is banned FULL FAT: Full fat milk is banned

The controversial plan, which is being phased in at all primary and secondary schools, prevents pupils from drinking the “high-calorie” milk that has been recommended by health visitors and midwives for generations, replacing it with the semi-skimmed variety.

Yesterday it emerged three-year-olds were among children being prevented from drinking whole milk at some nurseries, despite the fact that the legislation does not apply to pre-school-age children.

 Last night, health experts raised concerns that the Scottish Government’s healthy eating drive denied young children the essential fats they need.

Janet Fyle, a professional policy adviser for the Royal College of Midwives, said full-fat milk was crucial to a child’s development.

She said: “Milk is still important for young children.

 Whole milk and full-fat dairy products are a good source of vitamin A, which helps the body to resist infection and is needed for healthy skin and eyes.” 

Dr Rafe Bundy, a lecturer in nutrition at Glasgow University, said: “Full-fat milk has 4 per cent fat. Compared with a lot of foods, milk is low-fat because it is mainly water: it is water and vitamins and calcium and protein. I must admit a ban doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

The Scottish Government’s decision is part of a range of healthy eating measures amid fears of an obesity crisis. 

Under the Schools Health Promotion and Nutrition Scotland Act, primary schools were told to offer at least two portions of fruit and vegetables every lunchtime and limit deep-fried food to three items each week.

Nurseries in the Aberdeen City Council area have replaced full-fat milk with semi-skimmed, while some at Argyll and Bute Council serve semi-skimmed to under-fives. East Lothian Council said semi-skimmed milk had been issued to pre-school children in error and would be withdrawn.

A Scottish Government spokesman said the move was aimed at helping children achieve a balanced diet.

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