School dinner ladies’ alert sparks investigation – But, Caterlink say ‘No corners being cut' over quality
Thursday, 20th October 2011
Published: 20 October 2011
by TOM FOOT
THE boss of the company running Camden’s school dinners service has said the firm has investigated complaints that corners are being cut in kitchens and found nothing seriously wrong.
Neil Fuller, managing director of Caterlink, said the firm examined thoroughly whether its operations in some of the borough’s primary schools were falling short and the internal inquiry showed they were meeting required standards.
The probe followed complaints from whistleblower dinner ladies who claimed fruit portions were being halved to save on costs and that “meat is not always what it seems”.
The kitchen assistants approached the New Journal because they said they were concerned that problems they had flagged up had not been addressed by the inquiry and three audits.
They supplied what they say are behind-the-scenes photographs appearing to show rationed plates with halved fruit and veg portions and hot food being put into freeze storage.
In one picture, raw and cooked burgers appear to be stored together in the same tray and put in the freezer.
Mr Fuller said the investigation had looked at the images but it was unclear how long ago they were taken.
Laura, a former Caterlink kitchen assistant, who did not want her full name to be revealed, said: “I just want as many Camden parents as
“I have seen meat lasagnes bulked-up with tuna and chickpeas or carrots – because it’s cheaper.
Children are supposed to get a whole piece of fruit every day – but a lot of the time they just get half a piece.”
Laura, who said she had worked in more than a dozen primary schools in Camden, said the problems stemmed from pressure on chefs to lower daily “pence-per-meal” rates.
If they go over a basic rate they are told to make it up the following week.
This can lead to days when children’s portions are cut back, the kitchen assistants claim.
Mr Fuller said that if fruit was routinely cut in half it would be “very quickly recognised by headteachers”, adding that staff, who received proper training, had a “personal responsibility” to ensure pupils got a full and healthy lunch.
Mr Fuller said that recent inspections by the council, an environmental health officer and the European Safety Bureau had found no evidence of the kind of concerns raised by his staff, adding: “The grievance and allegations have been investigated in full by our head of human resources, and as part of this investigation various Caterlink staff and management team members were interviewed.
“These reports have concluded that the food and safety, and health and safety practises are adhering to statutory and company standards.”
In January, Caterlink was awarded a five-year contract worth £7.5million to deliver meals to 52 schools in Camden.
The number of children eating Caterlink lunches in the borough has risen each year since 2006.
A council spokesman said this was because it was the food was very healthy, adding that 3,713 children ate free school meals provided by Caterlink.
Dr Rachel Thompson, deputy head of science at World Cancer Research Fund, said that healthy eating was “vital” for children’s “development and growth”.
She added: “It also means it is more likely they will continue eating a balanced, nutritious diet in adulthood which will help reduce their risk of getting diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease in the future.”
Monthly payments from Camden Council to the company range from £250,000-£500,000.
The massive contract has led to a huge boost in profits for the company, which reported 29 per cent growth in revenue in March.
A Camden Council spokesman said: “Caterlink’s meals exceed the government’s standards and this is why Camden is amongst the top three boroughs in the country with the highest school meal uptake.”
