34986 (2025). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Associate Minister of Education

34986 (2025). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Associate Minister of Education: Was the Associate Minister aware that the School Lunch Collective (SLC) has started using a cheaper offal mince blend for its school lunches, which consists of 50% beef heart, prior to BusinessDesk reporting and inquiries prompting the SLC to update its website; if so, is he confident that the SLC was complying with the appropriate disclosure requirements?

Hon David Seymour: The School Lunch Collective (SLC) is contracted to provide healthy meals that meet all food safety standards and stringent nutrition standards. The SLC are not required to inform me or the Ministry of Education on changes to food composition or ingredients, provided they continue to meet nutrition standards. The SLC has food experts, including chefs and registered dietitians, who play a vital role in designing menus and sourcing ingredients to make sure quality remains high.