The Government has been accused of “sheer hypocrisy” for urging schools to become plastic free zones, after it emerged that its own fruit and vegetable initiative uses plastic packaging.

Under the scheme, all children at aged between four and six-years-old who attend state-funded primary schools are given a daily portion of fruit or vegetables. These are delivered to schools by Foodbuy, a Government supplier, wrapped in single-use plastic.

This week the Education Secretary, Damian Hinds, called on headteachers to contact their suppliers and ask for all deliveries to be made with packaging that is reusable or recyclable.

He said schools should stop using items such as plastic straws, bottles, food packaging and plastic bags and opt instead for sustainable alternatives.

Angela Rayner, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, said: “It is one thing for the Secretary of State to tell schools to reduce their plastic use, but it is sheer hypocrisy to do so while his own Government uses plastic packaging to deliver national programmes.

“If the Government is serious about reducing plastic use, and making schools do the same, then they should lead by example.”