Kangaroo Meat Served In Chili At Nebraska School

A superintendent at a Nebraska school district apologized to students and their families after a meal served at lunchtime included kangaroo meat, an ingredient that was not disclosed prior to the meal.

In a letter to parents, Superintendent Mike Williams of the Potter-Dix Public Schools wrote that the kangaroo meat was mixed with beef and served as part of a chili dish last week. Williams said that when he found out about the meat he discussed it with the head chef, Kevin Frei, who said he added the meat because of its nutritional value, the letter says.

According to KSID, Frei was fired as head cook on Wednesday. Frei told the news outlet that he saw the meat advertised in a Sysco order catalog and received approval from Williams to buy the meat. He also told KSID Williams looked at the meat and gave him permission to use it. Williams denied to the news outlet that he was informed about ordering the meat, and added that if he had known it would never have happened.

The chili was the main course at Potter-Dix Junior/Senior high school, per KSID.

The superintendent apologized for the "anxiety and harm" caused to individual students and their families. He said his own personal thought was that if a family wants to eat exotic food, they can do so on their own time and not at school. He also said if the school district was to have food or ingredients that are out of the ordinary, they should be listed on the menu.

"We will no way be serving food of this nature again," Williams wrote. "Period."

Williams noted that he does not think kangaroo meat in unhealthy or dangerous and companies selling it have to meet USDA standards.

"But, it is without a doubt not a normal staple of our diet and will not, nor will any other non-staple foods, be a part of the Potter-Dix meal program," the letter stated.

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