News

Following ongoing Food Standards Agency (FSA) advice and in light of the current checks being carried out on some processed beef products, LACA is aware that a number of local authorities and education catering providers across the country have already withdrawn or, are considering withdrawing, some and in other cases all, processed beef products from school menus.

The temporary removal of items from menus as a precaution is normal practice and a standard procedure in the catering industry. Test results as well as food safety and supplier authenticities will be required so confidence can be restored prior to education catering providers taking the decision to return particular beef products for inclusion on menus.

These industry safeguards provide reassurances to schools and parents that beef products are safe when returned to school menus.

As a result of this action by providers and suppliers together with the existing safety net provided by the robust Food and Nutrient Standards in all state maintained schools in England (similar regulations apply in Scotland and Wales), a broad range of alternatives to beef products are offered on school menus.

These standards restrict the use of processed meats on menus and encourage caterers' to prepare dishes from fresh, raw ingredients to enable a wide range of food choices to be on offer.

As added reassurance to parents, menus outlining all of the daily meal options per week, can be provided upon request from their children’s school.

Based on this, parents can have full confidence that school meals continue to provide high quality, nutritious food.  School meals represent an important contribution to the daily diets of children and young people which, in turn, underpins their health, well being and academic attainment.

Education catering providers will continue to work with industry suppliers as well as procurement and public health colleagues in local authorities, to ensure that the quality of food served in schools remains an absolute priority.