Fury over Marmite ban

Pupils in Ceredigion can no longer have Marmite on toast over claims the yeast extract spread contains too much salt.

Ceredigion Council said the popular spread was now off the menu at all 51 school breakfast clubs in the county because of the high level of salt.

Parents at Pontrhydfendigaid primary school expressed surprise at the move.

Makers of the century-old spread Unilever described the council's decision as "disappointing" and said the spread had only low levels of salt.

A spokesman for the Ceredigion village school admitted they would no longer be serving Marmite in the breakfast club after the salt content was highlighted.

"Breakfast clubs are intended to improve the health and concentration of children - to assist in the raising of standards of learning and attainment," said the spokesman.

"But anything served must be healthy and nutritionally balanced.

"Marmite is not included on the list of items as it does include a high level of salt.

"Low sugar marmalade or jam can be spread on toast, but lemon curd is not on the list of provisions."

About a third of the school's 60 pupils attend the breakfast club.

Head teacher Joyce George said she she was aware that Marmite is now off the menu but said she has no input into the meals' contents.

They were organised instead by the county council catering department liaising with the school cook, she said.

A council spokesman said confirmed Marmite is now off the menu at all the county's breakfast clubs.