Disgusted parents have raised concerns about the food being served at Perth and Kinross schools after a mum shared a photo of a turkey burger her daughter was given at Blairgowrie High School.
Sharon Morgan shared the picture to social media with the caption “would any of you eat it?” prompting Perth and Kinross Council to tell meal providers Tayside Contracts to launch an investigation into the burger.
Blairgowrie Conservative councillor Caroline Shiers also contacted Tayside Contracts demanding an explanation into the questionable school dinner.
Councillor Shiers said: “I have raised this issue with Tayside Contracts and will be following it up with them.
“Quality and the nutritional value of meals is of utmost importance and that’s why I took a personal interest in it.
“The standards of school meals are very high and that’s why we take these complaints very seriously.
“I visit schools on a regular basis and often have lunch with pupils so I can see what lunch is like for them.
“I have not had lunch with secondary pupils yet but plan on doing this soon.”
Tayside Contracts have apologised for the meal at Blairgowrie High School and said it was no fault of the cooking staff at the school.
Carol Haxton, Tayside Contracts’ facilities business manager, said: “Tayside Contracts produces over 6 million high quality school meals per year and our quality management systems and the skill levels of our cooks stand comparison with the very best.
“However, on this occasion we clearly fell short of the high standards which we demand of ourselves and for which we are extremely sorry.
“There is no doubt that the burger served on this occasion did not look appetising and the portion size was small.
“My initial investigations have established that this was a product issue rather than any failure of our staff at Blairgowrie High School.”
Ms Haxton said that despite some comments online suggesting it was a chicken burger, it was “important to recognise that this was a turkey burger and not a beef burger and the colour was as you would expect of a white meat burger”.
She added: “Comment has also been passed regarding the apparent lack of accompaniments available to have with the burger.
“However, I can confirm the option of salad, sauces and relishes were all available.”
Other parents complained on social media of dinners served at schools around Perth and Kinross.
Louise McGregor said: “Not surprised. This happens a lot and I know the dinners are shocking.
“There is no effort put into them at all and expect kids to be eating healthy but tasty.”
