5 things: Condiment quota upsets parents

Each Friday I compile a list that highlights five things you probably missed in the news that week and why you should care about them.

Here’s your list for the week of Nov. 19: 

1.    Condiment quota upsets parents

Parents at the Long Island, N.Y., Eastport-South Manor Central School District are crying foul over a new policy regarding condiments. This year, the district enacted a limit on the amount of ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard packets that each student can take—it’s either one or two per child, depending on the meal. Parents say the limitation is “un-American” and that the school shouldn’t be regulating how much of a condiment students can use. But the USDA in the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act did just that—it required that every item included in school meals, condiments included, must meet regulations for sugar, sodium and calories. It’s interesting that this is only now becoming an issue at this school district considering the rules have been in place for year. However, this is the first year that students no longer have the unlimited pump system for condiments.

Read more: That’s Un-American! Parents Object To Long Island School District’s Quota On Condiments

2.    Self-op better for UW, analysis finds

The University of Wyoming would not benefit financially from outsourcing its dining program, an analysis by a consultant found. The college is looking to overhaul its dining program and asked about the value of outsourcing. The consultant found, however, that remaining self-op benefited the university by at least $3.5 million a year.

Read more: ‘No financial advantage’ for UW to outsource dining

3.    A look at the school meals industry

This video by CNBC is an interesting look at the history of the school meal program, particularly looking at the financial side of things. The 12-minute video takes a look at things like legislation, lobbying and the impact of the move from scratch cooking and childhood obesity.

Read more: Here's who gets rich from school lunch

4. Meth found in food shipment to school

Many times, we hear about spoiled or moldy food being sent to schools, but one district in Alaska found a package of meth in its delivery. Workers said the container looked suspicious, as if the seal had been broken. District officials say no food was contaminated and that an inspection of the kitchen and food was undertaken. The district is looking into the issue to determine who was trying to transport the drugs.

Read more: School employees find package of meth hidden in village food shipment
 
5. Update on possible food contamination at hospital

A few weeks ago in this column I wrote about a possible deliberate food contamination being found in a hospital. The hospital has determined that the contamination came from non-toxic pellets that are used to speed the decomposition of unused food. The hospital is still unsure who put the substance on the food. 

Read more: Flinders Medical Centre dessert contamination revealed to be compost booster 

Bonus: Elior to deploy self-heating trays

Contact Becky Schilling at [email protected] 
Follow her on Twitter: @bschilling_FM