TEN NEW PORK RECIPES FROM BPEX FOR SCHOOL CATERERS

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

New nutritional standards for school meals come into effect from September 2008 as part of recent Government initiatives to improve the health of children through their diet.

To help school caterers provide nutritious and tasty meals to satisfy hungry bellies in line with the new standards, BPEX Limited has developed ten deliciously innovative pork recipes published in a new booklet entitled: ‘Great It’s Lunchtime’.

All the recipes, which include ‘Hot Shot Hot Pot’, ‘Pork, Apple & Bean Pie’ and ‘Spicy Pork Veggie Pasties’, carry full nutritional calculations, including all micro-nutrients.

BPEX Ltd foodservice trade manager, Tony Goodger, said: “Pork can be a lean and healthy addition to any menu and, being a red meat, is important as part of a balanced diet. It’s a great source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and zinc as well as being incredibly tasty and excellent value for money.

The school food standards recommend that lunches should contain a portion of fruit and vegetables. As such each of the recipes in the booklet incorporates a portion of vegetables or is complemented by servings of vegetables.

Goodger adds: “Not only do these recipes demonstrate the versatility of pork and reflect good practice in terms of healthier eating for school children, they also support the five-a-day campaign offering school caterers a number meal options which can be tailored throughout the year according to the seasonal vegetables available.”

‘Great It’s Lunchtime’ has received the seal of approval by the Chair of the School Food Trust. Judy Hardagan, CEO for the School Food Trust, said: “The thoughtful, practical recipes will certainly contribute to the new nutritional standards for school meals. The lean pork and vegetable dishes are great for children - and it’s great that they have had the vital stamp of approval from pupils themselves!

“Procuring quality produce is another challenge for schools and 'Great it's Lunchtime' encourages schools to procure quality produce in line with the requirements of the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative (PSFPI). Procuring Quality Standard Mark (QSM) pork can help schools meet Government targets on sourcing, as well as ensuring children have access to quality food.”

‘Great It’s Lunchtime’ has been printed on FSC sustainable paper in support of the Government’s Public Sector Paper Procurement Initiative and is available free of charge to all school caterers, be they DSO or contract, state or independent. To obtain your copy simply contact BPEX Ltd by telephone on: 01908 844114 or by email at: foodservice@bpex.org.uk.


For further information please contact Toni Connolly at HD Communications Limited.
T: 01372 822940 DDL: 01372 822941 E: toni.connolly@hdcommunications.co.uk