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    17

    Jul 2023

    Last Updated: 14/07/2023
    Education
    Education

    'Human error' blamed for raw chicken served at Harrogate school

    by Vicky Carr

    | 17 Jul, 2023
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    sjf-raw-chicken

    A school in Harrogate which served raw chicken to children has said "human error" was responsible.

    North Yorkshire Council's environmental health officers visited St John Fisher Catholic High School after parents alerted them to the problem.

    One parent, who contacted the Stray Ferret with photographs of the raw meat but asked not to be identified, said:

    "They served raw, bleeding chicken. There have been pictures posted on social media of blood actually coming out as it’s been cut into.
    "The parents have complained to school... They admitted to a full tray being served by mistake and it’s being investigated."


    The parent said she had raised concerns about the school's catering over several months, after finding the quality of food on offer had fallen.

    She said there was often not enough food for all the children to have a hot meal, and sometimes there were no vegetarian options available.

    However, a spokesperson for St John Fisher said the problem with the raw chicken was down to "human error" and inspectors had been happy with the catering provision.

    They said:

    “The human error which was the cause of the undercooked chicken being served was promptly addressed resulting in no students or staff consuming the food.
    "The environmental agency were satisfied with the explanation of the circumstances surrounding the error and the actions which were immediately implemented to ensure this situation does not occur again."


    Responding to the parent's comments about the food on offer, the spokesperson said:

    "With 1,500 students on site and a modest menu, it is inevitable that, on some occasions, students' first choice of hot meal, including vegetarian options, will have run out.”


    St John Fisher

    The incident happened in June, and North Yorkshire Council has now responded to a request for details from the Stray Ferret.

    Its corporate director and monitoring officer, Callum McKeon, said:

    “We can confirm a batch of chicken was under-cooked in what was regarded as an isolated incident.
    “The school immediately fully assisted our officers who reviewed all food safety practices, documentation and checked temperature probes on site.
    “Because we take food safety very seriously, incidents like these are few and far between, and no child was poorly as a result.
    “We are satisfied with the way the school's catering team responded to the matter and how they currently prepare food.”