Schoolchildren are to receive more fruit, vegetables and milk after MEPs voted for more EU money to be dedicated to healthy eating in schools.

New rules drafted by the European Parliament provide for €250million per school year to all Member States, with €150 million allotted to providing fruit and vegetables and €100 million for school milk.

The schemes will apply to children aged six to 10, with pre-school and secondary schools both having the option to participate. It is expected to come into force on 1 August 2017.

Artificial sweeteners and artificial flavour enhancers will be banned from the products distributed under the school schemes and would only be allowed after being authorised by national health authorities.

MEP Marlene Mizzi said the new measures were excellent news for European schoolchildren.

"Over 20 million children are overweight in the EU and yet the consumption of fruit, vegetables and milk is still falling across Europe. A healthy and balanced diet is the foundation of a good health, and this is why educating children about healthy-eating from an early age is of utmost importance," she said.