Dr Wheelock commented, "School caterers will have to spend a huge amount of time and effort collating information and doing the calculations, to produce figures that will serve no useful purpose. Many are very worried that they do not have the nutritional knowledge or the computer skills to cope".
Already a number of experienced caterers have left the profession and sought employment elsewhere because they do not feel prepared for the extra work involved in meeting the Nutritional Standards. Dr Wheelock has found that there is substantial support for his views from many local authority caterers who are currently struggling to come to grips with the legislation.
Patricia Fellows agrees with Dr Wheelock's views on the Nutritional Standards. In a separate statement she urged the Department for Children, Schools and Families to look at this matter again, and said, "Laws can be repealed or amended in part. Give the caterers standards that are simple to follow, and allow them to provide pupils with food that they will enjoy so that they want to eat school meals again. Please let common sense prevail".
Some schools and local authorities have purchased expensive computer software to help with calculating the nutrient levels, which in Dr Wheelock's opinion is a waste of money.
