Each week, primary schools across the UK gather together in assembly and the classroom to talk about key news stories and important issues. This week’s focus is all about breakfast choices, why governments are making new rules about foods like cereals, and how these changes could affect our daily routines. What’s in the News This Week? A major headline is Kellogg’s, the well-known cereal company, taking the UK government to court over new regulations that will impact how certain cereals are promoted in shops. These rules, coming into effect in England in October, will restrict foods high in fat, salt, and sugar from being highlighted in high-visibility areas like checkouts and the ends of aisles. The move is part of a wider effort to encourage healthier food choices. Kellogg’s argues that the government measures cereals 'dry', while most people eat them with milk or yogurt. They believe the impact of milk on overall nutrition should be considered. According to Kellogg’s, about 92% of cereals are eaten with milk or yogurt. Why Are Some Cereals Moving on Shop Shelves? The government's new rules focus on reducing the prominence and promotion of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Many popular cereals will be moved from prominent shelf spaces, meaning items like Crunchy Nut Cornflakes and Fruit and Fibre will no longer be in the spotlight at supermarkets. This change is not just about cereals. It's part of a broader initiative to help children and adults choose foods that are better for their long-term health. Breakfast cereals, for example, contribute 7% to the average daily free sugar intake of children in the UK. The government hopes these measures will play a role in preventing harmful diseases and increasing healthy life expectancy. Breakfast Around the World Breakfast is often considered the most significant meal of the day, providing the energy and nutrients needed to start the day. People around the world enjoy very different foods for breakfast. Here are a few examples: Japan: A traditional breakfast includes steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and side dishes such as tsukemono (Japanese pickles), nori (seasoned seaweed), and natto (fermented soybeans). Egypt: Ful medames, made from cooked fava beans, parsley, olive oil, tomatoes, and onions. Brazil: Pão francês (French bread) is a common choice. Mexico: Chilaquiles, tortilla chips in sauce topped with chicken or egg, onion, and cheese. Netherlands: Toast with butter and hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles). Vietnam: Xoi, sticky rice with egg. These examples show that breakfast choices are varied and shaped by cultural traditions and available ingredients. Classroom and Assembly Discussion Points Breakfast is the first meal of the day and can differ greatly across households and countries. Here are some key points to discuss in class or assembly: What do you usually have for breakfast? Do others at home eat the same foods? How much choice do you have about what you eat for breakfast? Do new government rules about food choice affect what you can buy or eat? Should milk be included when calculating the nutritional content of cereals? Is it important to try new foods? Why or why not? What is your dream breakfast, and why? Types of Food and a Balanced Diet It is important to eat a balanced range of food types to ensure a healthy diet. These include: Starchy foods (bread, pasta, potatoes, rice) Proteins (fish, meat, beans, eggs) Milk and dairy foods Foods high in sugar and/or fat Fruit and vegetables While treats are enjoyed by many, having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and not relying too much on sugary or fatty foods helps support long-term health. Reflection: Should You Always Choose Your Own Breakfast? As we grow older, we often get more say in what we eat, especially at breakfast. Thinking about the choices we make—whether it’s for taste, health, or convenience—is important. Reflect on what you eat, why you make those choices, and how what you eat provides energy and nutrients for the day ahead. Useful Vocabulary Here are some key words from this week’s topic: Forefront: The most noticeable or important position Nutrients: Substances that provide nourishment needed for life and growth Promotion: Activities to advertise something to increase sales or public awareness Restrictions: Official rules that limit what you can do Significant: Sufficiently great or important Typical: To be expected Further Exploration and Activities Try preparing and tasting different breakfast foods, or explore your school’s lunch menu to see how balanced the meals are. Make lists of favorites, discuss tastes and textures, and consider the importance of variety in your diet—and remember to check for any allergies or intolerances. This Week’s Reflection Rules and laws about food promotion are made to help protect our health, encourage healthier habits, and ensure everyone has the best chance to develop well. Our breakfast choices—and the rules that shape them—are just part of how societies look after one another’s wellbeing. * Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample * Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss * Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training
