Spoiled School Lunches in Christchurch Trigger Food-Safety Probe After Students Fall Ill

More than 20 prepackaged meat-and-potato lunches served at Haeata Community Campus in Christchurch on Dec. 1 appeared visibly spoiled, prompting a food-safety investigation and concern from families and officials.

What happened

Staff discovered multiple trays with discolored, watery mince and other signs of breakdown after a faculty member opened a container and found its contents inedible. Some students had already been given and consumed the affected meals before the remaining trays were pulled and the supplier was notified.

Investigation findings

New Zealand Food Safety inspected the school's campus and the supplier's Christchurch kitchen. Their preliminary assessment concluded it is "more than likely" the impacted meals were delivered the previous Thursday, left unrefrigerated at the school over the weekend and then accidentally re-served alongside fresh deliveries on Monday. Inspectors noted that 15 other schools received meals from the same distribution centre that day and no other complaints were reported. The investigation is ongoing.

"It is more than likely that the affected meals at the school had been delivered the previous Thursday, remained at the school without refrigeration, and then were accidentally re-served to students along fresh meals delivered on Monday." — Vincent Arbuckle, Deputy Director-General, New Zealand Food Safety

School response and dispute

Principal Peggy Brown said the school acted quickly to inform families and assess any health impacts. Brown described the service from the meal provider as "infuriating" and said the campus — which includes a modern industrial kitchen — has been repeatedly prevented from preparing meals in-house. The school disputes the agency's conclusion that food was left unrefrigerated on campus and maintains that no food was stored improperly.

Health impact

Initial reports indicated at least 10 students went home with stomach pains; the principal later described the number as "fewer than 10." Families were advised to seek medical care for any child who felt unwell. As of the agency's statement, there were no confirmed cases of foodborne illness.

Officials and next steps

Associate Education Minister David Seymour supported the agency's assessment and urged careful verification of claims so public confidence in the national lunch programme is not undermined. The supplier, the school and the food-safety agency remain involved in the ongoing probe. Parents and the public are awaiting the final investigation results and any recommended changes to handling or delivery procedures.

Note: The investigation is continuing and authorities are reviewing records, delivery timelines and storage practices to determine responsibility and prevent future incidents.