Ask the Expert: Ensuring food safety

How can I ensure the food we give to children is safe?

The furore about horsemeat has made many rethink the systems in place for purchasing food for children. Like all good crises, you can use this to strengthen your own approach.

Begin by reviewing your food policy. Think about where and from whom you purchase food. Some nurseries use supermarkets, many of which have now acknowledged they need to strengthen their food chains to avoid false information appearing on food labelling.

Rethink your arrangements. For example, you may now decide to use local butchers and greengrocers who know where the food has come from. Use Red Tractor standards and similar safety marks to help you identify the origins of products.

Some changes could result in higher costs so think about how you will mitigate that. For things that you access for free such as milk, insist on full-fat organic milk. It’s a safer option and good for children. Finally, rethink your menu – maybe include more vegetarian options.

Answered by June O'Sullivan, chief executive of the childcare charity and social enterprise, the London Early Years Foundation

Email questions, marked “Experts”, to cypnow@markallengroup.com