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Data recently obtained reveals that Welsh schools are serving chicken sourced from distant countries such as China and Thailand to hundreds of children. In particular, some local authorities show a high reliance on poultry imported from beyond the European Union. For example, Merthyr Tydfil reports that nearly all the chicken provided in its school meals—99%—comes from non-EU countries.
The findings come from information gathered by the Countryside Alliance through Freedom of Information requests sent to Wales’s 22 local authorities. These requests sought details on the origins of chicken used in school meals across the most recent academic year with available statistics. From the 20 responses received, three councils indicated that over 85% of their chicken supply was imported from countries outside of the EU, including Thailand and China. Merthyr Tydfil Council, which sources its poultry as frozen imports, had the highest percentage from outside the EU. Other areas such as Conwy and Caerphilly also reported significant portions of their chicken coming from abroad, though Caerphilly plans to stop using non-UK or non-EU chicken after September 2025.
Local authorities in Wales generally procure food for school meals through formal public sector contracts. The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) emphasized that regardless of origin, all chicken served in schools must comply with rigorous UK food safety and hygiene regulations. Some councils, such as Ynys Mon and Bridgend, reported exclusively sourcing their chicken within the UK. However, others admit to importing substantial amounts due to factors like cost, availability, and sustainability considerations. For instance, Conwy Council said it uses Welsh products “when that is viable, sustainable and offers best value,” highlighting the balancing act between sourcing local produce and managing practical constraints.
Experts and community members have expressed concern about the heavy reliance on imported poultry. Roberta Sonnino, a professor of sustainable food systems, described the practice as widespread across the UK but difficult to fully quantify in all public settings. She urged Welsh councils to re-examine contracts with suppliers, stressing that “there’s absolutely no need to import what we produce at home.” Sonnino highlighted the environmental impact of frozen chicken traveling vast distances and called for a cultural change where value is seen not just in price but in environmental and economic terms. Local parents echoed these worries. Leah Wright, whose children attend school in Merthyr Tydfil, said, “I assumed with something as important as school meals that everything would be locally sourced.” Similarly, Megan Ellis stated her preference for Welsh-produced meals and mentioned planning to provide packed lunches if imported chicken remained the norm in schools. The Welsh government has responded, affirming its commitment to working alongside local authorities and suppliers to shorten supply chains, reduce food miles, and boost the use of locally produced Welsh food in schools
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