School canteens follow 'cold line'

This page has been automatically translated from French into English by a translation software. Automatic translations are not as accurate as translations made by professional human translators. Nevertheless these pages can help you understand information published by the City of Brussels.

   

The 'cold line' is used in 15 schools of the French-speaking education and 4 schools from the Dutch-speaking education of the City of Brussels. The technique of the 'cold line' consists of preparing meals, which are subsequently delivered at the schools at a temperature of 3 degrees. That temperature preserves the vitamins better without changing the flavor.

Prepared meals

The 'Brussels kitchens' prepare the meals in their central kitchen in Haren [plan]. The meals are then put in trays in refrigerated trucks and are brought to the schools. During that process the temperature stays at 3 degrees. The schools keep the same temperature in their refrigerator. The next day, the meals are warmed up for the students. Both vitamins and flavor are preserved in this way. The Intercommunal Laboratory of Chemistry and Bacteriology ensures the quality of the food through regular checks.

Healthy diet

The 'cold line' requires different adjustments and new facilities in the schools. The total investment therefore amounts to 1.126.000 euro. The technique also fits into the health program of the City of Brussels for the schools. A dietitian puts the meals of the Brussels kitchens together. This ensures a more balanced and healthy diet for the children. From March 2010, parents can also choose 3 types of meals: ordinary, without salt or no pork.