Jamie Oliver: ‘Tell me Mr Gove, Mr Lansley. How can we stop Britain being the most unhealthy country in Europe?’

In the 10 years since opening his Fifteen restaurant, Jamie Oliver's campaigns have gone global. But his passion to improve British schools remains. 'There's an obesity epidemic,' he tells Tim Adams. 'And the coalition are doing nothing'

What’s on your hospital lunch tray today?

Spring-vegetable casserole or beef stroganoff, sir? The menus often sound appetising, but what does hospital food really taste like? With budgets being slashed and kitchens closed, many hospitals nowadays have to buy in ready-prepared food from outside suppliers and heat … Continue reading →

Hospital food – it’s enough to make you sick

Thick, salty soup with the texture of wallpaper paste; a pie crust, hiding a serving of mechanically recovered 'meat' and dry mash. Is this the best patients can hope for? Jay Rayner investigates.

The truth about school dinners: what happened when Jamie went home

It's 16 months since the TV chef stormed through Britain's school kitchens and declared war on the Turkey Twizzler. So are our children now eating healthier foods? Report by Jay Rayner.

What your children should eat

The good mood diet for optimum health.

What not to feed your child

The bad mood diet of sugary drinks and E-additives.

What’s for tea?

We know that processed foods and fizzy drinks are bad for our children, but what is it about Turkey Twizzlers, sugar and additives that have been blamed for everything from daydreaming in class to bullying and autism? Andrew Purvis investigates the link between what our kids eat and their behaviour - and discovers that 50p school dinners may not be nearly enough.

Doctor’s orders

There are plenty of essential foods and minerals that help alleviate the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder says Dr John Briffa.

‘The potato faces smile up at me with what I hope is a rictus grin’

Observer Food Critic Jay Rayner finds that a drizzle of stardust can transform ghastly school meals.

Is this any way to treat a child?

Why our kids are hooked on crisps: Not so long ago, crisps were thought healthy enough to be tucked into a child's lunch box along with an apple and a sandwich. Now we're eating 12 billion packets a year, and a bag of smoky bacon has become the Devil's own snack. Louise France visits Walkers - the Willy Wonka of crisp factories - and discovers what goes into one of our most addictive foods.

Eat your veg. It could be the next best thing to giving up smoking

Eating the wrong foods could be responsible for up to 30 per cent of cancers, but there is growing belief that 'superfoods' are the key to preventing it. Can broccoli really be that good for you? Andrew Purvis finds out.

Fat girl slim

London's East End has the highest rate of obesity in Britain - one in 10 children is obese. Now the community is fighting back with 'fat clubs' for kids, and chefs to improve the nutritional value of a 40p school dinner. Jo Revill investigates.

Bullied at 12 for being overweight

Ryan Owen hit the headlines last month when he refused to attend school because he was bullied about his size. Dee O'Connell talks to his mother

Are we turning our children into ‘fat’ junkies?

One in 10 British children under five is obese. Health experts blame sedentary lifestyles - and ever bigger fast food portions - but new research suggests that a diet high in fat and sugar may trigger the same addictive cravings as tobacco or drugs. Ellen Ruppel Shell reports from America

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