HALAL meat is being served to all children in four South Tyneside schools to cater for religious beliefs, it has been revealed.
Vegetarian and halal options had been offered to Muslim and Jewish pupils in the past.
But now all meat dishes, except pork, will be halal at Hadrian, Laygate and Marine Park primary schools and Mortimer Comprehensive to meet the children's religiou
s requirements.
Despite there being no difference in taste, Jewish and Muslim religions demand that slaughter is carried out with a single cut to the throat – while the animal is still conscious.
South Tyneside Council catering chiefs said there will be no extra cost.
But two parents at Hadrian Primary School have complained about the change in school dinners after receiving a letter from the school. And while they have been offered their children to be served up non-halal meat, both turned the offer down.
One of the mums said: "I know it is the catering service at South Shields Town Hall which has done this.
"We try to incorporate the Bangladeshi community in everything, but this really has riled me."
Punjabi, Bengali and Yemeni parents voiced concerns to schools and education chiefs that their children were often faced with only a vegetarian option for school lunch.
Due to this, some parents opted to send packed lunches or bring their children home at lunchtime.
Catering staff want to encourage as many children as possible to eat school meals that meet required standards.
A council spokesman said: "Of 72 schools in the borough, only four serve all halal meat. Each of these schools has a high proportion of Muslim children.
"We have done a great deal of work to improve the variety and quality of meals in all our schools, and an assortment of non-meat dishes is on offer.
"We are working hard to increase the uptake among all pupils, and our cooks are doing a great job of providing healthy, value-for-money food.
"In summer 2005, we launched a new and improved menu, and in our secondary schools we offer competitive prices, cashless card payment systems, deli-style sandwiches and healthy options at reduced prices."
A risk assessment is due to take place this month to identify whether procedures could be followed and systems implemented that would enable cooks to offer both types of meat at Hadrian School.
By LEAH SHAWleah.shaw@northeast-press.co.uk