Jamie Oliver has continued his Food Revolution in America, most recently tackling Los Angeles schools. As a result, flavoured milk has now been banned from the school menu. Jamie has been working with Los Angeles Unified School District to reduce levels of childhood obesity, and create a healthier future for America’s kids. A number of the students who were featured on Jamie’s Food Revolution were increasingly worried for the health of close family members who had developed illnesses and health problems as a result of eating junk food.

Sugar is present in many foods, not only fizzy pop. Flavoured milk has a high percentage of sugar, artificial sweeteners, colour and flavours, which don’t add any nutrition. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one third of all American children are either overweight or obese, with obesity in children between the ages of 2 and 19 trebling.

In addition to banning flavoured milks, the school board will offer low fat and fat free options of milk in addition to soy milk and Lactaid options. A larger choice of vegetarian meals will be on offer, along with fried and bread coated items being phased out. Members of LAUSD now view meal times as an opportunity to promote healthy eating for kids, and for schools to play a prominent role in the health of children. A nutrition and metabolism expert from New York, Dr Jana Klauer said:

Adding flavourings and sugar to milk offers no nutritional benefit. The harm of the sweetened dairy products, besides the added calories, is that the palate changes so that the drive for sweetness increases.

Jamie Oliver will continue in his fight against childhood obesity with the Food Revolution.