Halal menu plan for Derby primary school
MEAT on menus at Derby's largest primary school could be limited to only halal cuts on certain days of the week.
If governors go ahead with plans, Dale Primary would become the first council-run school in the city to offer halal meat.
On the days it is available, all the meat in the school's meals would be halal, because of fears of cross-contamination with other meat, which would render it unfit to eat for Muslims.
There would still be a vegetarian option on the menu.
Halal meat is primarily eaten by Muslims and is achieved by slaughtering an animal, such as chicken, lamb or cow, in a ritual way known as Zibah.
This requires animals to be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter and the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe severed by a razor-sharp knife by a single swipe, while religious words are spoken.
Dale Primary School arranges its own lunchtime catering and has opted out of the city council system, along with a number of other schools.
The Normanton school, which has a large Asian contingent among its 550 pupils, decided to consult on halal meat as part of a school meals, review.
Head teacher Linda Sullivan has written to parents, carers and staff, asking them if the school should offer halal meat to pupils.
The governors will consider the responses and then decide whether to press ahead.
A school spokeswoman said: "The governors want to know if there is a strong demand as one or two parents have mentioned serving halal meat.
"The letter is asking for views and it's not a vote. If we were to change, it would probably be halal-only to avoid cross-contamination.
"The results of the survey will go to the next governors' meeting for discussion."
Councillor Fareed Hussain, who represents the Arboretum ward, said he was aware that the idea of halal meat might upset some people.
He said: "I think it is right that the governors should explore this but I think they need to listen to the responses carefully.
"If there are dissenting voices, I think they should consider giving a choice between halal meat or not. If not, it will become a contentious issue.
"I know that places such as hospitals are able to offer either halal or non-halal dishes, so I can't see why a school can't accommodate that."
The council confirmed that it was aware the governors had been consulting parents.
Councillor Les Allen, city council cabinet member for children and young people, said: "I understand they've been wanting to consult for some time.
"While it's true that, if it went ahead, only halal meat would be served, I was told that this might happen on only one day a week."
Halal meat requires all the flowing blood to be drained from the carcass, as blood is forbidden. According to the Koran, pork is also forbidden.
Shabana Ayub, a parent of two Dale Primary pupils, welcomed the idea of introducing halal meat but only if there were other options.
The Muslim 30-year-old, of Porter Road, who has a son, 10, and a daughter, five, said: "I think it's a good idea because my children both like meat but they can't eat anything that's not halal.
"I think there needs to be other options because there are Hindu and Christian children who go to the school as well."
Naz Parvenn, 36, also of Porter Road and a Muslim, said her four-year-old daughter might not eat the food unless it was traditionally prepared.
She said: "If it was meat that had been processed in some way, she might not eat it because that's not what she's used to at home.
"It's a good idea, though, as long as, for example, Sikhs are given another option because halal meat is forbidden to them."
The consultation ends today.
17 Comments
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by Rich - Derby, Derby
Friday, October 10 2008, 11:41AM
“I find it amazing that such a proposal would cause the types of responses listed here. If we are a Christian country then why do only 9% of the population visit church on a regular basis? If people have their own religious beliefs, what business is it of anyone else? Likewise, if a school is trying to honour those beliefs, then again why is it of interest to anyone else? Schools are designed to educate and inform - from some of the comments on here I would suggest that there are a significant number of people who didn't pay much attention when they were there!”
by Janny, england?
Friday, October 10 2008, 11:40AM
“I thought that we have laws to in this country to state that animals should be slaughtered for consumtion in a humane way? This is not humane.
Why should non muslims have the choice taken away from them?
Ban on Christmas next........”
by Mr Bronson, belper
Friday, October 10 2008, 11:40AM
“Step down from your high horse Graham, all walks of life and religions have their own traditions and beliefs. Jewish, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Vegans, Vegetarians, diabetics, fussy eaters, everybody. Nobody is telling you to stop eating beef. What's the problem with a community school that has pupils with a dietry requirement trying to cater for them? If my son developed diabetes or decided he had a religous belief that required a special diet I'd like to think the school would support him, I certainly would. Just look out of your window, is it a Muslim state, I guess its the same as it has been for years.”
by Steve, Normanton, Derby
Friday, October 10 2008, 11:39AM
“Graham, no I am not one of those you refer to as the "goody goody brigade". I actually live opposite to the schooll in question and within a few yeards of the mosque on Porter Road and I have no problem at all. It is interesting to note that our only contribution to religious cuisine seems to be Christmas pudding and the Easter egg.”
by Stew, Derby
Friday, October 10 2008, 11:34AM
“Steve, Do You Live in the area or have you ever lived in the area? I did for many years with a mix of ethnic backgrounds and no one ever complained or wanted different meals to fit in with their so called "Religious beliefs" If they want this food, let them prepare it and eat at home, that way there will be no complants for it not being prepared right. I agree with what has been said, why should this country keep bending over backwards, would they get it in other countries, if so, they know where to go. "God Save The Queen"”
by Terry, Devon
Friday, October 10 2008, 11:34AM
“I went to this school over 60 years ago there is too much pandering to the minority if you dont like it get out ! English Traditions please ok for others with their own beliefs i have no objestion to that but why foist it on others all the time !!!!”
by david, derby
Friday, October 10 2008, 11:32AM
“to introduce halal meat would be a great idea, if they also gave the children the education into how the meat was prepared.
Then the children would realise what a barbaric and disgusting process this is.”
by Johannes Bertholt, Derby
Friday, October 10 2008, 11:32AM
“I wonder how many people who are quick to moan eat halal only burgers/kebabs after a heavy night on the tiles? Next time you go to Sarry's try asking for a non-Halal kebab....”
by Graham, Derby
Friday, October 10 2008, 11:24AM
“I take it from your comment Steve that you are one of the goody goody brigade that has its head buried in the sand and have no objection to this once great country of ours becoming a muslim state. To Hindus the cow is sacred but have they ever tried to stop us eating beef?. I am getting sick of reading that the muslims want this and the muslims want that. If they want muslim customs go and live in a muslim country or adapt to our customs and beliefs as other cultures have done.”
by Steve, Derby
Friday, October 10 2008, 10:55AM
“Stephen, if you knew anything about the area you would realise that your comments are unreasonable. More than one or two Muslim parents have been involved in the consultation and a correct and suitable decision will be made. Andy, we are a multi-cultural society which strives to change and improve to accomodate new challenges whilst maintaining core values. This school should be applauded for it's efforts and not castigated by the few who do not understand.”