THE cost of school dinners in many of Redbridge's primary schools will rise this September when a new company takes over the council's meal contract.

Warm meals at 51 schools in the borough will increase in price by as much as 62p per day when ISS Caterhouse takes over in the new academic year.

Previously free meals cost £1.31 or £1.65 for paid dinners, but now both types will cost £1.93.

The council has said the increase has been introduced to ensure more "robust" higher quality meals, including the use of 'Red Tractor' approved meat, organic milk and eggs, along with other "improved" ingredients.

Toby Walne, a parent of two children at Churchfield's Junior School in South Woodford, said: "If they can justify the increase with better food then I think that's a good thing.

"Not enough children seem to have school dinners so if they're higher quality then prehaps more pupils will have them. But we'll have to see how much better they are."

A statement on ISS Catering website states: “Our primary school menus offer children a huge range of nutritionally balanced options.

“We serve up to three main course options with a choice of fresh vegetables. These are always accompanied with potatoes, rice or pasta.

"All our meals include complimentary salads and fresh bread.”

Latest Department of Health figures show that ten per cent of British children are obese at the age of five.

And 20 per cent of pupils have reached that level when they start secondary school. Medical experts say there is growing evidence that parents mistake obesity for "puppy fat".

Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum charity, said obesity in such young people is dangerous for them later in life.

He added: "There is a lot of literature now that confirms the first year of life is absolutely critical - and that fat children are in danger of staying fat for the rest of their lives."

The topic of healthy school meals first reached the headlines when TV chef Jamie Oliver took over meals at a Greenwich comprehensive for a year.

Disgusted by the unhealthy fare and the lack of healthy alternatives on offer, Oliver began a campaign to improve the standard of Britain’s school meals.

As a direct result of his efforts, the Government pledged to spend £280m on school dinners over three years.

What do you think of the rise? Contact reporter Daniel Binns on 0779 547 6625 or via email on dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk