The only prohibited foods listed in the letter were “snacks such as crisps and confectionery such as chocolate bars, chocolate biscuits and sweets” and fruit juice was listed as a permitted item.
But in the clarification letter sent out on Tuesday the list of banned items had been extended to include processed meat products and fruit juices due to their high sugar content.
The school’s headteacher, Kevin Basnett, last night stressed the changes were done after a questionnaire and extensive consultation of parents – 86% of whom supported the move.
He said the policy had been approved by Liverpool council and Liverpool PCT.
He stressed pupils were not having their bags searched and “everything taken is given back at the end of the day.”
Those breaking the rules were offered healthy alternatives.
But many parents are furious.
Helen Phillips, 34, yesterday fed her son Dylan, 11, at home in protest claiming he was “dehydrated” after having orange drink Capri Sun taken off him, even though fruit juice was permitted on the original policy document.
She said: “I am all for healthy eating, but the way it has been enforced is disgusting.”
Guidelines from the government-backed School Food Trust recommends that, prior to confiscating items, schools “inform parents of this beforehand”.
