The Food Standards Agency issued an alert notification on 5th January 2011 advising that pig and poultry feed in Germany had been found to contain dioxins above the legal limits. A further update advised that affected eggs had been distributed to the Netherlands and subsequently mixed with non-contaminated eggs to make pasteurised liquid egg. This pasteurised liquid egg has been confirmed as been distributed to the UK.

In a statement the FSA said: "The mixing of the eggs will have diluted the levels of the dioxins and they are not thought to be a risk to health." 

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School Food Trust cut as Government wields quango axe  

The Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude announced on 14th October that a range of 'arms-length' bodies or quangos will be cut, including the School Food Trust (SFT). The SFT - which was established in 2005 to promote the education and health of children by improving the quality of food in schools - was asked to cut its Department of Education 2010 budget from £8.65m to £7.65m earlier in the year, but expected to continue to receive government funding.

However, the SFT will now cease to be a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), but will (accordng to the Cabinet Office) continue as a charity "with the potential to become a community interest company". (Oct, 2010)

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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