100% Manx meat served in primary schools

Summary

The requester asked for data on the percentage of 100% Manx meat served in primary schools over the last three years and the reasons for any shortfall. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture responded that it does not hold the specific information requested, though it clarified that while all meat is sourced from local suppliers, it is not guaranteed to be Manx due to supply chain availability.

Key Facts

• The Department of Education, Sport and Culture does not hold the specific data on the percentage of 100% Manx meat procured.
• All fresh meat for primary school meals is purchased from local suppliers.
• All frozen meat and meat products are purchased from local suppliers.
• Local sourcing does not guarantee the meat is Manx as availability depends on the Manx meat supply chain.
• The request was received on 17 July 2025 and the response was issued on 13 August 2025.

Data Disclosed

• 17 July 2025
• 13 August 2025
• 4806694
• last 3 years
• 100%

Original Request

I am looking for information in relation to how much in the last 3 years, of the meat procured by the Department of education for the Isle of man's primary schools is 100% local meat that is processed via our local abattoir "isle of man meats" or 100% Manx meat via the butchers that is sourced back to isle of man farms. Also, if little percentage why is it not 100% and what efforts have been made by the department to ensure manx primary schools are being supplied with manx meat?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Policy, Strategy and Governance Division Department of Education, Sport and Culture Thie Slieau Whallian Foxdale Road St Johns IM4 3AS

Telephone: (01624) 685808 Website: www.gov.im/dec Email: dec@foi.gov.im

Our ref: 4806694 13 August 2025

Dear ###,

We write further to your request, received 17 July 2025, which states:

"I am looking for information in relation to how much in the last 3 years, of the meat procured by the Department of education for the Isle of man's primary schools is 100% local meat that is processed via our local abattoir "isle of man meats" or 100% Manx meat via the butchers that is sourced back to isle of man farms. Also, if little percentage why is it not 100% and what efforts have been made by the department to ensure Manx primary schools are being supplied with Manx meat?"

Our response to your request is as follows:

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Department of Education, Sport and Culture does not hold the information that you have requested.

By way of advice and assistance please find below information in respect of fresh and frozen meat sourced for the Primary School Meals menu during the previous three years:

Fresh meat products
The Department’s Primary School Meals team purchased all fresh meat from local suppliers. Whilst meat was purchased locally it is not guaranteed that it was consistently Manx meat, as the availability of Manx meat is dependent upon the Manx meat supply chain.

Frozen meat products
The Department’s Primary School Meals team purchased all frozen meat and meat products from local suppliers. The frozen meat and meat products purchased may not have been Manx meat.

Please quote the reference number 4806694 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

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An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded. If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.