Update on the current position of Halal meals provision within schools in Bolton.

Bolton Council, Environmental Services, School Meals provides a quality, compliant service to over 100 schools in the authority, of which 17 are catered for with HMC certified meats and other menu items.

During the past month there has been an interruption in the supply of meat to schools due to the supplier ceasing trading.

This has naturally led to a minimal change in the service provision, with the introduction of adapted vegetarian meals, whilst an alternative supplier is being sourced. These changes in the menus have been made using HMC approved products, for example, the substitution of meat in dishes such as pies with Vegemince, which does, when cooked in gravy resemble minced beef or lamb. This may lead to some children thinking that it is not Halal, but parents and the community can be reassured that it is Halal.

The School Meals Service has been actively seeking a replacement supplier for all the provision of meat, both Halal and non-Halal. This is not a simple process, as suppliers have to comply with stringent food safety and financial requirements, and adequate checks on both these areas need to be carried out to ensure the integrity of the supplies and safety of the community. In addition, a reliable source of HMC products which are compliant with Government food standards that can be used on the menus, e.g. Samosas, is required. These checks have now been completed and it is expected that there will be a reintroduction of HMC certified meat from the 23rd May 2011, and reverting to a full menu provision in this week.

Bolton Council, Environmental Services, School Meals, would like to thank you for your patience with this matter, and also reassure the community that all steps have been taken to ensure the integrity of the food now being provided and in the future. For further enquiries and questions please contact your school directly.