Dear all
The issue of dietary requirements is potentially too huge to contemplate
within one institution, certain policy decisions on provision of 'a
percentage' of Halal and/ or Kosher is a sensible way forward I feel.
Consultation is the key and I would involve student societies such as
the Islamic Soc, Jewish Students Soc, Sikh soc but also ask for free
ranging (pardon the pun) comments from all users.

What we tried to do here was to encourage our hospitality services to
make information as clear and easy  to understand as possible so that
people are making informed choices.  There are religious requirements
that clash so some groups will want Halal and some will want to avoid
it. Ensuring good quality and plenty of vegetarian options is always a
good idea (not just because I am a vegetarian I hasten to add).
Requirements often focus on meat and the way it is processed, if food is
vegetarian (and I don't just mean cheese) then this offers a useful
alternative.

We also thought of offering a guide: Muslims eat  this, Hindus eat that,
but found that would be too prescriptive and possibly wrong at best and
could be seen as patronising at worst.

The ECU guides on religions are a useful starter, it was through these
that I began to understand why halal or kosher might not suit everyone
who eats meat for example!

There are always gluten free choices on our hospitality menus. Halal is
provided through at least one of the main outlets and this carries the
Halal symbol (which presumably you would know if you needed to avoid
Halal) there were some kosher 'take away' foods available in our Student
Shop. Kosher food within the main kitchens would be impossible to
provide since it would need many separate facilities. There would not
seem to have been a demand for it in the way that there has been a
demand for Halal.

I hope this helps, although it doesn't offer a definitive guide.

Chris Baxter
Diversity Officer
Student Services
 

-----Original Message-----
From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mary Jennings
Sent: 22 June 2009 22:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Dietary Requirements

Dear all,

Please could I ask you all to include a recognition of the requirement
for a GLUTEN-FREE diet. (It's not specific to a particular religion but
is prevalent in Ireland.) It is not an allergy, nor a personal
preference, but a very specific medical requirement as a consequence of
a disease, Coeliac Disease. I grew up as a Catholic where eating meat on
Fridays was a mortal sin - meat would have been fine for my
physiological health, but the fish alternative (as generally cooked -
battered, fried, fish fingers etc) is detrimental to my health.

Regards,

Mary




On Jun 22 2009, Nazir-Bhatti, Ferhat wrote:

>Dear Colleagues
>
> I have been tasked to identify what the dietary requirements are 
> across different religious groups, I would be grateful if any 
> colleagues have such information which they would like to share. Also 
> does your institution serve halal meat if so, are staff aware of this 
> and how. Your comments will be very useful.
>
>Kind Regards
>
>Ferhat Nazir-Bhatti
>Diversity Manager
>Human Resources and Development Group
>Cranfield University
>Tele: 01234 750111 ext.2341
>
>Office Hours 8.30 am -4.30 pm Mon, Tues, Thurs
>
>
>
>
>

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