Dumfries and Galloway Council updates school meals policy after allergy concerns
New policy enhances safety and outlines responsibilities in meal provision
Dumfries and Galloway Council has updated its school meals policy after compensating a family £30,000 when a child was repeatedly served food they were allergic to.
The newly approved policy, which replaces the previous 'special diet procedure', outlines responsibilities among catering staff, schools, parents, and health professionals to ensure student safety in meal provision.
The catering service supports over 650 pupils with specific dietary needs, up from 400 in April. These needs include allergies, intolerances, diabetes, autism-related restrictions, and religious diets.
The policy was discussed at Tuesday's economy and infrastructure committee meeting. Annandale North Councillor Carolyne Wilson, who initiated the review, stressed the focus was not on blame but on enhancing safety and clarity.
The policy addresses the operational risk of 'human error' in recording, passing on, or serving special diets, given that around 125,000 to 140,000 meals a year are served under special diets.
Food uptake figures show primary school meals are had by 77% of pupils, and by 65% in high schools.
An update report on the policy will be presented to the committee in November 2027.