ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. — An East Tennessee school district has implemented new food handling procedures after years-old pork roast was served to students for lunch.
The frozen meat had dates of 2009-2011 and was served to students in the Hawkins County district on April 22, according to media reports. No sicknesses have been reported.
Director of Schools Steve Starnes told reporters that a new inventory system went into effect last Friday. In addition, all current frozen items were inventoried and outdated items were discarded.
“I want to stress to students, staff, and parents that the safety and welfare of our students is the highest priority to our system and all of our decisions and actions moving forward will continue to reflect this priority,” Starnes said. “I, along with members of my staff, will always strive to make decisions based on the best interests of our students, staff, and community.”
Hawkins County Commissioner Michael Herrell said he received a call from a concerned cafeteria worker, and he raised questions about the safety of the food.
“They go to school, and that might be the only meal they get all day long, and it just very upsets me that these kids are going to school to get that meal,” Herrell said. “It just didn’t go over well with me when I heard we were feeding these kids meat that’s dated 2009.”
According to the Kingsport Times-News, the Department of Agriculture quality chart recommends eating frozen roasts within 12 months, but it says frozen food remains safe indefinitely.