CHIPS, burgers and stodgy puddings are getting the red light at two schools in Winsford and Middlewich this week.

Greenfields County Primary School and Cledford County Junior School have been chosen to test Cheshire School Meals Service's new healthy eating guidelines, which are based on a traffic light colour system.

Nutritionists have assessed hundreds of food products provided by the School Meals Service and colour coded them in red, amber and green for school menus.

The colours signify foods recommended to be eaten occasionally (red), in moderation (amber) and regularly (green).

The School Meals Service already provides a fruit and fibre balanced menu for pupils, with cooking methods designed to reduce their fat, sugar and salt intake.

But according to Cty Clr Peter Nurse, chairman of the county's education service, the new system will encourage children to make a more informed choice on a daily basis.

He said: "We are not saying you must not eat chips, or anything else for that matter, but making youngsters aware of the tasty and healthier alternatives.

"We hope that food education, combined with this instant guide to a more balanced diet, will have eased our children into the right eating habits by the time they enter secondary school."

The traffic light system will be phased in gradually to the county's 300 primary schools, with Greenfields and Cledford being among the initial batch of 15 schools taking part.

The county's new healthy eating guidelines have been prepared by area catering officers Pat Reed and Christine Bebbington.

Christine said: "There is no bad food provided for our primary schools.

"But there are perhaps some foods that should be eaten less frequently, and others that should feature on a more regular basis.

"We hope that the right education on diet and nutrition, coupled with our colour code system, will introduce our youngsters to the right balance."

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