Food for thought More beans urged in schools

Beans are good for our health and also the health of the planet, say researchers

- By Danny Fitzpatrick

SCHOOL dinners need more beans, according to new research by the University of Bristol.

A series of studies, published yesterday, explored different ways to transform the UK’s food system as part of a major five-year £47.5 million research programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

In Britain, 15% of deaths are associated with diet, while a third of the country's carbon emissions are caused by its food system.

Professor Guy Poppy, director of the programme and pro vice-chancellor for research and innovation at the University of Bristol, said climate change, biodiversity loss, obesity and health inequality are “some of the biggest challenges we face in mankind”.

“If you get food right, you can help begin to solve some of these major issues,” he said.

Findings from studies, which have been carried out across the UK, will be presented to the Environment Department (Defra) as it develops its new national food strategy.