The Junta de Andalucía is investigating whether there are deficiencies in the catering service at six schools in the province of Málaga, all managed by Mediterránea de Catering. There are six formal complaints, although the Federation of AMPAS reports more than twenty centres.
According to Diario Sur, the Junta de Andalucía is analysing, through two agencies under the Departments of Education and Health, whether there are deficiencies in the catering service at six schools in the province. The centres have submitted formal complaints regarding the quality and quantity of the food. The contractor in all six cases is Mediterránea de Catering, the same company that manages over 600 school canteens in Andalucía, including 132 of the 340 in Málaga.
The Federation of Associations of Mothers and Fathers of Students in the Province of Málaga (FDAPA) claims to have received complaints from more than twenty centres, describing the food as “indecent.” However, through formal channels, Education has only received six complaints, all of which are under investigation. The provincial delegate for Education, Miguel Briones, believes the extent of the problem in the province is limited and that the Junta's inspectors have already visited the centres that filed complaints.
“All verification and supervision mechanisms for these complaints are underway; the matter is being treated with the seriousness it deserves.”
The investigation involves two agencies. The Andalusian Public Agency for Education (APAE) oversees that the company complies with the service contract specifications. The Food Offer Evaluation Plan in School Centres (Evacole) assesses the nutritional quality of the food. When an incident is reported, both agencies investigate it.
The Minister of Education, María del Carmen Castillo, defended in the Andalusian Parliament that the menus are safe and healthy, describing the incidents detected in Córdoba and Granada as “isolated.” She explained that the Department has opened files at the centres with anomalies and will impose sanctions if necessary. The Junta has demanded that the company implement a quality control reinforcement plan, which includes more control staff, larger portions, and tastings with families.
“The menus of Andalusian school canteens are safe, healthy, and nutritious.”
Protests scheduled for the following day will affect schools in Córdoba, Granada, and Málaga. The minister noted that food safety has not been compromised.
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