FAQs
What happens with surplus lunches?
Each school has its own Surplus Planning which details what the school intends to do with any sealed and uneaten lunches. Some schools may choose to pass on these meals to a community group or food rescue organisation or provide to school whanau. If lunches are not utilised by local groups, BiteLAB can return and remove the lunches to be composted.
How is the menu developed?
As part of the Group model of the Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme, schools receive a menu from the supplier that works across each school in the group. This menu is Ministry of Education (MoE) approved and informed by the MoE Nutrition Guidelines. The menu is generated by BiteLABs team of dieticians and food safety experts, in conjunction with MoE dieticians.
Do you provide for students with allergies or special cultural friendly diets?
We provide meal options cater for students with specific dietary requirements (ethical, religious, medical, allergies, intolerances). Such meals are identified with special labels on each lunch pack.
We are committed to providing food that meets high safety and suitability standards and we understand the importance of allergen management and awareness.
It is important to note that our kitchen handles a diverse range of ingredients, including Gluten, Wheat, Milk/Dairy, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish*, Tree Nuts*, Peanuts, Sesame, Sulphites, and Lupin. Products from our suppliers may also be manufactured in facilities where allergen-containing ingredients are present. We have a comprehensive allergen management plan in place and while we take every precaution to avoid cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee our dishes are 100% free from trace amounts of allergens.
Students and parents should make schools aware of any anaphylaxis reaction or low tolerance towards certain allergens.
*Shellfish includes all mollusc and crustacean. Tree Nuts include, but is not limited to, common Tree Nuts like almond, Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia, pecan, pistachio, walnut, and pine nut.
How can I provide feedback?
There are two main methods of providing feedback on BiteLAB. The first is to complete an online feedback form here. This feedback is collated and reported to the MoE as part of the supplier reporting process.
The second method is to send direct feedback to your BiteLAB Operations and Relationship Manager. This feedback is again collated and reported in operational meetings with schools and with the Ministry.
BiteLAB also closely monitors any food wastage, will conduct specific feedback research at times throughout the school year.