Purchasing Policies
Cambridgeshire Catering Services has rigorous purchasing controls for quality assurance and food safety to ensure that food purchased for school meals meets all quality standards.

We aim to source our foodstuffs wherever possible from local producers and manufacturers, and work closely with our suppliers to seek ways of ensuring that environmental considerations such as reducing road miles and farming methods are fully taken into account.

The current focus is particularly on sourcing meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables from within the region, and especially UK wherever possible. 


Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's)
CCS has accepted that many of our customers are concerned that there may be environmental issues in relation to genetically modified foods.

CCS therefore excludes the use of GMOs from school menus. No food is purchased that is above the limits set by EC legislation and is not labelled as containing GMOs. All products are regularly monitored to ensure that suppliers are complying with this policy.

Products containing Nuts
CCS do not knowingly purchase products containing nuts or traces of nuts. However, it is unable to guarantee that all meals are nut free, as suppliers are unable to guarantee that all products have not at any stage of production come into contact with traces of nuts. Menus can be adapted for individual pupils to further ensure that there is always a low risk meal option.

Mechanically Recovered Meat (MRM)
CCS has always ensured that it does not purchase any products containing MRM. 

Additives
CCS endeavour to select products that do not use unnecessary e-numbers. In particular, tartrazine and sunset yellow are avoided, and CCS sources products using only natural colourings where a colouring is deemed necessary.

Use of Beef
CCS has consulted with all schools, and as a result many have indicated that they are happy for beef to feature again on the menus. Beef therefore is now available as an option and is always sourced from known origins, and fully traceable.

All meat comes from butchers and farms within the region, and in the case of beef from animals under 30 months old. All animals are identity assured, with the meat coming from boned out joints.

Dietary Options
A range of dietary requirements can be met, and CCS is ready to work closely with parents and health professionals to meet special medical needs.

Vegetarian options are always available, and only vegetarian cheese, oils, margarine and shortenings are used in cooking.