A Wigan school has admitted unwittingly serving halal meat to its young pupils.
When concerned mum Alison Thorpe, who runs Lucky Hens rescue farm, inquired at her daughter’s school - St Benedict’s Primary in Hindley - whether it served the meat slaughtered according to Islamic practice, she was shocked to discover it had.
Wigan Council said Metrofresh, which supplies meals for all borough schools, owned up to an error with suppliers and it accepted it had given the halal chicken to the primary school.
A spokesman said it was believed the meat had been served at St Benedict’s only for “a short period” and there was nothing to suggest it had gone to other borough schools. He added that the supplier’s measures means the authority was confident this is no longer a problem.
The traditional Islamic way of preparing meat involves killing animals by drawing a knife across their throats, without stunning them first, as is the case in British slaughterhouses.
Sharia law forbids using a stun gun so instead, the animal must be conscious when its throat is cut and the blood allowed to drain from the carcass while a religious phrase is recited. Such methods are widely condemned by animal rights campaigners.
Mrs Thorpe said: “I asked my 10-year-old daughter if she would be happy to eat this meat knowing animals were not stunned and she said no.
“The school had taken the choice away from children.
“It is terrible. I think more work needs to be undertaken to address the correct labelling of animal products and foods should be sourced locally (halal or not) name the farm etc.
“If it was mentioned on the school’s website and hand out menu in the first place people who have the knowledge could then decide if they want to eat halal slaughtered animals for their school dinners.
“The parents who have found out this information want to now take their children off school dinners including myself.
“I am appalled to find out this information by accident rather than disclosure.
“But at least if it has been brought to light and withdrawn, the matter has now stopped.”
A council spokesman said MetroFresh has a policy that all meat provided to schools and on menus is non-halal. Any child with requirements due to their religion or diet is offered an alternative.
Council assistant director for operations Paul Barton said: “The policy of Metrofresh is clear that meat supplied to schools should be non-halal. After this matter came to light we immediately ordered a complete product recall and it was replaced with non-halal.
“Our supplier has acknowledged it was an error on their behalf and they are currently investigating why the error has occurred.
“Controls have been tightened and staff have been reminded of our policy.”