Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Bad school meal was ‘human error’
Parents at Ancrum Road Primary reported the “wholly unacceptable” meal that was served to pupils last month to West End councillor Fraser Macpherson.
A photo showed severely burnt sausage rolls and what were claimed to be cold beans.
Mr Macpherson called on Tayside Contracts, which provides school meals, to investigate.
The contractor has now blamed the quality of the meal on “human error” and said disciplinary action would be taken.
In a statement sent to the councillor, Tayside Contracts said: “Through the investigative process it has become apparent the poor quality meal is not typical of the standard of meals produced at Balgarthno Campus for service at Ancrum Road Primary.
“This unfortunate breach of quality standards has resulted from human error. We have identified failings at both the production kitchen and dining centre.
“This will be addressed through our disciplinary process.
“Whilst there was clearly a quality issue there was no food safety risk associated with the failings identified. “Documentary evidence gathered during the investigation refutes the suggestion that on occasion there is insufficient quantities of main meals available.”
Mr Macpherson said: “I received complaints from parents following the serving of what I consider to be a wholly unacceptable lunch served and asked for an investigation of what happened to ensure this poor quality of meal is never served again.
“Pupils are entitled to a high quality nutritious meal every single day — there is no excuse for anything less.
“I said to the director that I thought it would be helpful if elected members were given copies of meal menus that Tayside Contracts provide at our schools and assurances and evidence of a consistent approach in terms of meal choice, meal size and quality across the city.
“He agreed to do so and very extensive detail of meal menus and the content of meals has now been made available which does help to give assurance about having a consistent good quality of meals right across the school estate in Dundee.”
A LACKLUSTRE school meal served at a Dundee primary school was “not typical” of the usual food standards, an investigation has concluded.