LAMB and pork mince products have been withdrawn from schools in the Leigh area - after tests revealed traces of beef.
Environmental Health officers tested samples supplied by a Golborne firm.
The council then ordered all lamb and pork products to be taken off school menus temporarily as part of its pledge to fight any possible BSE link.
The beef found was not unsafe for eating, but was withdrawn as part of the Education Committee's promise to parents to stop using any beef.
The beef was supplied by B R and M Holmes of Golborne who were equally as appalled as the council in the discovery.
They have co-operated fully in withdrawing the meat.
The company will now replace the products with fresh supplies that have gone through a modified manufacturing process handling meat solely for schools.
The council Environmental Health Officer, Bob Saunders, said: "Once we knew for certain there was a problem we contacted the firm.
"As a reputable company, they was as concerned as we were and have co-operated fully in the investigations. We are working together to ensure that, collectively, we get to the bottom of the problem.
"As the local authority in which the suppliers are based, the council is contacting other local authorities, informing them of the findings and the action taken by the company. We will continue sampling.
"Tests on other suppliers have also been carried out as a precaution. If results show the same, similar action will be taken."
Director of Education Bob Clarke commented: "Having previously reassured parents, we are obviously concerned that some beef has been getting through, however small the amount.
"I think we are acting responsibly by taking this action now. These lamb and port mince products will not go back on the menu until new stocks are received."
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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