Sir Paul attacks school meals plan

NEW rules for school dining halls have been attacked by Sir Paul McCartney who says they ban vegetarian meals.

Writing on his website, Sir Paul said "The French Government's recent decree effectively enforcing the consumption of animal products in public institutions is a backward step for France. It goes against the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union by prohibiting individuals' right to express their beliefs.

"No one needs to eat animals – and we can combat climate change and lessen the risk of suffering from heart disease and other ailments by reducing the amount of meat we eat."

The singer, who has just published The Meat Free Monday Cookbook aimed to getting people to eat less meat, was attacking agriculture minister Bruno Le Maire's announcement of a decree that specifies a "balance between meat and fish during the week".

Mr Le Maire said he aimed to improve the nutritional quality of meals served, saying: “Six million children eat in canteens every day, but one in two of them is still hungry when they leave.”

He added: "France should be an example to the world in the quality of its food, starting with children."

The decree, published in the Journal Officiel at the beginning of October, specifies that four or five courses should be offered, including one with vegetables and one with milk products. Water and bread will be freely available but salt and sauces such as ketchup, mayonnaise and vinaigrette will not, except where part of a dish. Chips will be served in no more than four meals in 20 and fatty foods will be reduced.

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