School Menus Will Be Served With Halal Meat In New Academic Year

Halal meat will be back on school menus when pupils return to school for the new academic year.

 Halal meat was withdrawn from all city schools in April as a precautionary measure after DNA tests revealed a lamb kebab contained more than 50 per cent beef.

Additional tests on other batches of the burger subsequently found traces of goat meat.

Since the scandal broke, schools supplied with halal meat have instead been supplied with vegetarian and fish alternatives.

Now, Councillor Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for schools, has announced halal meat will be reinstated, along with new specifications for purchasing and testing meat in schools.

Coun Dempster said: “We recognise issues over halal meat in school have been distressing for families.

“We worked hard, taking immediate action as soon as we became aware of problems and have worked closely with faith groups to agree specifications on the food preparation and quality assurance standards needed.”

Education bosses at the city council have drawn up a five-page specification document in consultation with the Federation of Muslim Organisations, the Muslim Parents Association of Leicester, Gujarat Hindu Association and the Federation of Hindu and Jain Communities Leicestershire.

They include the preparation, processing and storage of halal meat under direct supervision of a practising Muslim, competent in halal dietary laws. The council will have the right to inspect slaughterhouses and processing plants, and halal meat will have to be packed in sealed polythene bags with the accreditation body’s label.

Originally published on www.leicestermercury.co.uk