Italian schools replace pork dishes with curry for Muslim pupils

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 17:08 · Archive

Schools in the Italian province of Pordenone are removing pork dishes from menus and replacing them with options such as chicken curry and couscous.

Schools in the Italian province of Pordenone, in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region in the north-east, are removing traditional pork dishes from canteen menus. Air-dried San Daniele prosciutto, porchetta and pasta all'amatriciana—a dish built around pork jowl—will be replaced with alternatives such as chicken curry and couscous.

Children from migrant backgrounds account for 21 per cent of Pordenone's school population, nearly double the national average of 11 per cent. Supporters of the initiative argue it is inclusive, given that a significant share of pupils cannot consume pork on religious grounds.

In the majority of affected schools, pork products will be eliminated entirely. A smaller number will continue to make them available. Regional dietary guidelines in the centre-right-governed Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region already recommend prioritising white meat over red, though beef remains on the menu.

How it is being reported

• Italy's Muslim-friendly school meals swapping prosciutto with curry for children’s mealsSchools across the Italian province of Pordenone are set to strip beloved national dishes from their canteen menus, swapping them for alternatives such as chicken curry and couscous in a bid to cater to Muslim pupils. The north-eastern province, situated in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region, will see iconic staples including air-dried San Daniele prosciutto, porchetta and pasta all'amatriciana - a classic recipe built around pork jowl - removed from school canteens. Supporters of the initiative argue it is a sensible and inclusive step, given that a significant share of the pupil population…GB News · 17 Oct, 16:49
• Curry and couscous is replacing traditional prosciutto in Italy's new Muslim-friendly school mealsAir-dried San Daniele prosciutto and pasta all'amatriciana, a dish where pork jowl is a key ingredient, will be axed from school meals in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, in northeastern Pordenone.Daily Mail · 17 Oct, 10:57

In this story: Pordenone · Friuli-Venezia-Giulia · Italy

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