School kids give support to healthy eating

School kids at a Denny primary school have signalled their support to the health benefits of eating seafood by taking part in a successful trial where Scottish

mussels took a starring role on the lunch menu.

Children at Head of Muir Primary School participated in the trial as part of the Scottish Government’s healthy eating campaign, and according to head teacher Daniel Barrie, the mussels went down a treat.

“The response from the children was excellent,” he said. “They loved the taste of the mussels and enjoyed the whole process of pulling them out from their shells,” he said.

“We decided to feature the mussels on the school lunch menu as part of the major drive throughout Scottish schools to provide healthier choices and promote the benefits of eating certain foods.”

The mussels, which were supplied by the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group, were sourced from farms on the West coast of Scotland and Shetland.

Stephen Cameron, managing director of SSMG, said: “Mussels are packed full of protein and essential minerals and vitamins, yet are very low in fat. They also have a lovely sweet taste and this is why children adore them so much.”

Over a four-week period the mussels were cooked in a variety of different ways, including in a sweet and sour sauce, which won particular praise from the children.

The Foods Standards Agency recommends that people should eat at least two portions of seafood a week.