A round-up of this week's facts

A study has suggested that the Kellogg's Special K 'two bowls of cereal a day' challenge could be on the right track.

Findings show that people who eat cereal for two out of their three meals a day could lose more than 4lbs in six weeks.

Those who combined various cereals lost more weight with the people sticking to one brand losing just 1.3lb.

A nationwide survey commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) found that only half of people correctly identified the "use by date" as the best measure of safety.

The survey also found that just less than half (47%) of people questioned said they would never eat cooked meat beyond its use by date, which suggests that a large proportion of consumers are willing to take risks with the safety of their food by eating goods beyond the use by date.

Half of the budget allocated to providing free school meals is not being claimed, according to a local newspaper in Suffolk.

Figures published in The Evening Star show that the county's 2,975 disadvantaged 11-16-year-old students eligible to receive school meals are spending only 54% of the cash provided for the initiative.

More than one in 10 Britons is now choosing soya milk alternative, reflecting the nation's increasing awareness of the need for a healthier diet.

More are expected to join their ranks following new concerns from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) over full fat milk.

Almost 10 million of us – or 15% – are now regularly reaping the benefits of drinking soya milk alternative, which is proven to help lower cholesterol levels.

The Allegra Strategies' Project Café8 found that BB's scored high ratings for service quality, affordability and food choice ahead of Starbucks, Costa Coffee and Caffe Ritazza.

Nearly half (45%) of the UK public believe they should be eating a maximum of three eggs a week – but the new paper discusses decades of evidence, concluding that the cholesterol in eggs has only a small and clinically insignificant effect on blood cholesterol and that there is no recommended limit on egg consumption for most people.

Research published in 2008 showed that people who ate two eggs per day, while on a calorie-restricted diet, not only lost weight but also reduced their blood cholesterol levels.