Lytle ISD Cafe: Beef Back On Menu
by Mary Wagoner
February 25, 2008
Lytle ISD will now be serving beef.
I received an e-mail from the USDA on Feb 2, 2008 advising me that there was a concern about all commodity processed beef products. We immediately took all beef products off of our menu. The next day, I received an e-mail from USDA with a number that would be stamped on the beef product cases that were on hold.
Lytle ISD did not have one box with the alerted product number, but I still wanted to hold all beef until the USDA gave us an all clear. I felt this was the safest way to handle the situation. To notify parents, we sent out notes to the Primary and Elementary Students with menu changes. At the Junior High and High School, we just changed the menu and let the principals know what we were doing. Since Lytle ISD already offers so many chicken, turkey, pork, and cheese entrées, most of the students did not even notice the change.
Even though we did not have the products that the USDA was looking for, we stayed with our first decision to hold all beef until I could make sure the USDA did not add any other vendors or product codes to the list. On February 20, I received an e-mail from the USDA saying that the hold on meat from Westland Meat Company was changed to a recall. The recall is classified as a “Class II” recall which the USDA defines as a “hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.” The recall was issued as a result of Westland Meat Co. failing to adhere to contractual obligations and requirements with the USDA.
However, Lytle ISD did not have any of the products so we do not have to worry about sending anything back and all products that are coming from our venders has been checked in the warehouses. As our deliveries come in, please rest assured that I will still be checking each and every box for establishment codes. All of the cooks at Lytle ISD have been using “Time and Temperature Procedures” for years. When a product is delivered at our school, it is inspected upon receipt. We follow all Food Safety Rules when handling food items. Furthermore, Lytle ISD orders all items precooked, including the ground beef.
Some people say things like “I remember when everything was made
fresh.” Well, so do I, but times have changed. I choose to go with
the safest way to feed the students. We have done a lot of taste
testing and recipe changing to develop the best tasting and safest
menu we can produce. I have heard a lot of good things about our
cafeteria food from parents and other school districts. It is a
good feeling when another school district hears about your food and
wants your recipes.
I am very proud of all our employees. They are all very dedicated
to making sure your children eat safe, healthy, and tasty meals. I
cannot say enough about their dedication and hard work.
Please call if you have any questions or concerns.
Mary Wagoner
Lytle ISD Food Service Department
830-709-5133 EXT 4400
