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Foreign particles found in hamburgers at Colonial Heights school

Posted at 6:31 PM, May 27, 2014
and last updated 2014-05-27 21:06:04-04

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. (WTVR) — A letter obtained by CBS 6 that was sent to parents with children at Tussing Elementary indicates that foreign objects were found in some hamburgers served at the school cafeteria.

The Colonial Heights School Superintendent issued a letter that stated an employee discovered the particles in certain hamburger patties that had been sliced and prepared for service in the cafeteria at Tussing Elementary School.

The school believes that the particles came from the meat slicer used to slice ground beef into patties. The statement indicates that it may have been metal shavings, though that is not confirmed or stated in the letter.

The incident occurred on May 20 and a letter was sent two days later.

“We do not believe that any of the 187 patties served to customers  (faculty and students) at Tussing Elementary included any such foreign particles since they were thoroughly inspected visually; however given that they were cut with the same machines as those in which we observed such particles (which were not served), we wanted to bring this to your attention,” wrote Food Service Director, Joseph Fitzgerald, in a letter to parents.

The letters sent as a precautionary measure. No illnesses or reactions have been reported at this time.

Parents were urged to contact the Food Service Director if they have questions or concerns.

Colonial Heights Schools began a contract with Aramark K-12 Education to provide food service management in 2012.