Education Secretary Lucy Powell is considering banning schools in England from serving fruit juice and smoothies to pupils as part of a wider crackdown on childhood obesity, prompting critics to brand her the "juice snatcher". The move would form part of government efforts to curb sugar consumption among children, though it has drawn accusations that ministers are overreaching into everyday school catering decisions.

The proposal would see fruit juices and smoothies, which despite their healthy image can contain high levels of free sugars, removed from what schools are permitted to offer pupils. It reflects broader public health concerns about rising childhood obesity rates and follows a pattern of government interventions targeting sugary and processed food and drink in schools.