WINTER PARK, Fla. – Orange County Public Schools officials sent a message to parents Tuesday night after a dead worm was found in a student's lunch at Killarney Elementary School, and live worms were then discovered in uncooked food.
The school's principal, Kelly Steinke, reported that an inspection done by food service technical staff found the presence of a dead mealworm.
Officials said upon further inspection, live worms were found in some uncooked rice.
"As a precaution, the rice has been recalled at Killarney and every other school in the district to ensure that this matter has not been replicated," Steinke said.
Students were given a replacement for the rice, and the vendor was contacted immediately, school officials said, adding that the rice had been delivered to the school within the last 24 hours, causing OCPS to not believe the issue arose at the school.
"The health and safety of our students is paramount and the reputation of our award-winning food services division is highly guarded. OCPS will be investigating this matter until we have the necessary answers," Steinke said.