Eggs probe after possible salmonella linked deaths

The Food Standards Agency & Health Protection Agency (HPA) are investigating a recent increase in the number of cases of a certain type of salmonella in England and Wales. The increase in cases of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type (PT) 14b, since mid-August 2009, was noted by the HPA as part of its monitoring of infectious diseases.

Although there is no conclusive evidence yet, the clusters may be linked to eggs sourced from outside the UK and used in these establishments. Investigations are ongoing into a possible link to eggs sourced from an approved establishment in Spain, and the UK and Spanish authorities are working in close co-operation to investigate this. 'Eggs - Advice to Caterers' can be viewed on the below link (Dec, 2009)

http://www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/caterers/eggs/

School Food Trust launches 'A Fresh Look At Marketing School Food'

The latest guide in the Trust's fresh look series is now available on the web. The guide aims to help all those involved in the school food service to successfully market school food to children and parents.

Marketing is all around us – on the high street, in magazines and on billboards. By using a few of the same ideas that household names use, this guide can help you get the right foods to the right people, in the right place, at the right time and at the right price.

To download a copy of this useful guide, please see below link (Feb 2009)

http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/doc_item.asp?DocCatId=9&DocId=98

Meal Deals Developed In Partnership With Pupils

Meal Deals are an innovative way for schools to meet the nutrient-based standards and encourage take up. The School Food Trust has started six pilot studies in two tranches to research how this option can assist schools and to share the information with others.

The pilots involve the caterer, school and pupils working together to find the delicious and healthy combinations that meet the nutrient-based standards.

To follow the progress of the pilots you can sign up as a partner on the "Million Meals" website and follow the below link.

http://millionmeals.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/ask-each-other/people.php?PageAction=SignOutNow&

The SFT has also started to compile a number of case studies. These studies share the good practice of those schools that have already implemented Meal Deals. To read the case studies and/or contact the schools, please follow the below link. (January, 2009)

http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/content.asp?ContentId=674

2008 School Food Regulations 

(Amendment) Laid Before Parliament