in Val-de-Marne, how could caterpillars land in the canteen?

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Bad surprise in the students' food. On November 8, 2024, caterpillars were discovered in the plates canteens of five schools located in Arcueil (Val-de-Marne). The incident was quickly reported to the parents' representatives, who did not hide their incredibility in front of the discovery of their offspring.

Meal reimbursed

“At first, I didn’t believe it,” admits the president of the Federation of Parents’ Councils (FCPE) from the Jules-Ferry school, Éléonore Guerra. “My son told me he saw caterpillars in the broccoli. I wondered if these were animals he had observed in photos”she continues.

She then decides to carry out the investigation with other parents of students. The mishap was reported in four other canteens in Arcueil. “The first reaction was incomprehension. Some were angry and asked the mayor for explanations,” says Éléonore Guerra.

The response from the councilor Les Écologists Christian Metairie didn't take long. The ecologist sent a letter dated November 18, 2024. In this missive consulted by Paris newshe presents his “sincere apologies” to this “ unacceptable situation
», and announces a reimbursement of the “meal concerned” by “this inconvenience”.

For its part, the service provider API Restauration, responsible for delivering meals to school canteens, indicated, on November 21, 2024, “to suspend purchases of this product reference” from the supplier of these organic broccoli. A situation noted as a precautionary measure pending “corrective measures”.

A legal organic obligation

A meeting was finally organized at the initiative of the town hall, on November 26, with the presence of parents, elected officials and APIs.

“The discussion was rather cordial. The majority of parents were philosophical about the incident. A mother, a market gardener, explained that this could happen for this type of crop. More fear than harm”

Since 2018, school canteens have been required to offer dishes, 20% of the products of which come from organic farming, within the framework of the EGAlim law. Asked by Paris newsthe mayor's office certifies that the community “scrupulously respects the legislation” while defending its food policy.

“We are working on creating a central kitchen to be able to work with local products. The idea would be to do more20% a cinemaby guaranteeing constant prices for families,” says the firm. Parents of students will have the opportunity to visit the school canteen kitchens at the start of the school holidays, in January 2025.

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