EDUCATION Secretary John Swinney has been called on to introduce new nutrition regulations for school meals amid concerns over the link between processed meat and cancer.

The Government has been consulting on revised rules since the summer, but has yet to announce the details of the new regime.

More than 360,000 meals are believed to be served in Scotland’s primary and secondary schools every day.

The introduction in 2015 of free lunches for young children in primary one to three has also led to a record uptake.

However, there is also a growing scientific consensus on the harm posed by processed meat, sugar and fatty foods.

Swinney set up a working group in 2017 to consider going beyond existing regulations on food and drink in schools.

He said at the time the rules were “internationally admired”, but noted that the “scientific evidence and dietary advice” had changed.

The expert report was published last summer and made a number of recommendations on nutrition.

In one section, the review team referred to evidence from 2010 linking the consumption of red and processed meat with an “increased risk of developing colorectal cancer”.

It added that the evidence had “strengthened in recent years” and claimed that decreasing the intake of processed meat would prevent twice as many cases of colorectal cancer as reducing red meat alone.

The group concluded: “Therefore the TWG [working group] recommend that a standard for red and red processed meat is introduced, in order to protect the health of children and young people.

“It is proposed that no more than 230g of red and red processed meat is permitted over the course of the school week, of which no more than 130g should be red processed meat.”

The report added: “The additional restriction on the red processed meat of no more than 130g reflects the strength of evidence in relation to these products and the risk of developing colorectal cancer in later life. In addition, it will help limit fat and salt which can be high in these types of products.”

Swinney launched a consultation on the review findings, which ended in August, but the public are still waiting for the new regulations.

One of the questions asked was: “What are your views on our intention to amend the school food and drink Regulations to set a maximum for red and red processed meat in primary school lunches and for overall provision in secondary schools?”

Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “Every child needs nutritious meals and healthy eating in childhood is a good way to establish good habits for life. The Scottish Government need to hurry up and publish the results of the consultation and their response.”

Green MSP Mark Ruskell said: “For most families the school meal is the cornerstone of our children’s daily diet. There has been great progress in the quality of some school meals, but it is still a postcode lottery between councils in Scotland. These improved standards need to be introduced quickly as part of a Good Food Nation Bill that can put quality healthy local produce at the heart of public catering.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Last year we consulted on proposals put forward by a scientific technical working group to make school food and drink healthier. The consultation included the proposal to introduce a maximum level of red and processed meat served in schools.

“The proposals were based on the latest scientific and expert advice, as well as the views of local authorities, schools and catering staff. The consultation closed in August 2018 and we are carefully analysing responses before finalising revised regulations.”