25/09/2007

Primary Schools Wave 'Goodbye' to Fryers

Nearly all primary schools in Stockport have now waved 'goodbye' to their kitchen's deep fat fryers.

The Catering Team at Solutions SK Ltd, the Council's wholly owned company, schools and the Council's Children & Young Peoples Directorate made the decision to decommission and remove deep fat fryers from primary schools as part of the long term initiative to encourage healthier eating.

The decision coincides with the government's recent changes in nutritional standards and the 'Whole School Approach' to reducing fat content.

The Catering Team is working in partnership with schools, head teachers and cooks to create a 'Whole School Approach' to healthier eating. The team have made significant improvements in the quality of the food served.

There will be a greater emphasis on oven prepared food and the use of steamers as alternatives to fryers. The removal of the fryers is just one of many changes that are designed to enhance and improve the school meals service.

As well as addressing healthy eating standards, there are also health and safety issues surrounding manual handling, storage and new regulations involving environmental issues. The removal of the fryers will not only benefit the pupils, but also the staff that work in the kitchens and contributes to an overall 'greener' working environment.

Councillor Mark Weldon, Executive Member for Children & Young People, said: "We want our children and young people to be happy, healthy and safe. The removal of the fryers from Stockport's primary schools shows that the Council is committed to healthy eating in Stockport schools."

Pictured: Pictured is 'Deano' the School Meals Mascot and a pupil from Larkhill Primary School pushing the fryer out of the door