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<p>The department has had no discussions with Lancashire County Council with regards
to their ban on halal and kosher meat in school meals. The government sets out required
minimum standards for school food in the School Food Standards to ensure that children
are served healthy, nutritious meals at school. The standards do not specify food
requirements in terms of cultural and religious needs.</p><p>Headteachers, governors
and their caterers are best placed to make decisions about their school food policies,
which includes acting reasonably to provide choices that take account of cultural,
religious and special dietary needs. Schools that choose to arrange their school meals
through a local authority or another catering organisation may wish to take this into
consideration. Schools may consider providing both halal and non-halal or kosher food
each day, or ensuring that dishes are clearly labelled to allow pupils to select the
appropriate choice.</p>
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