This July 2002 photo shows a kangaroo standing near a water point in a resort near White Cliffs, a hinterland area located in the state of New South Wales.(Photo: WILLIAM WEST, AFP / Getty Images)

A public school district in Nebraska says it will no longer serve kangaroo meat after a recent incident that cost a cook his job.

Kevin Frei, a former high school cook at the Potter-Dix School District, added kangaroo meat to a hot pepper served for lunch on Oct. 10, according to a letter from District Superintendent Mike Williams on Wednesday.

When confronted with the decision to serve exotic meat mixed with beef, Frei said he used kangaroo meat for its nutritional value. This is a very lean meat, said Frei Williams, according to the letter.

Williams said in his letter that he did not think the meat was dangerous and that it was subject to government standards in effect.

However, the decision to eat exotic meat should be made by families and not by schools, he wrote. Williams also wrote that foods containing unusual ingredients must be clearly labeled.

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"On behalf of Potter-Dix Public Schools, I apologize for the concern and harm that this has caused to students or families." We will ensure that such a situation does not occur. reproduce more, "he wrote.

On Thursday, Williams said Frei was no longer working for the district, report Associated Press and NBC Nebraska.

According to a 2013 BBC report, kangaroo meat has been championed by some for its benefits in terms of taste, nutrition and environment. Supporters say it compares favorably with beef or pork.

Williams' letter says that Frei has repeatedly provided documentation on the nutritional quality of kangaroo meat.

Contribute: The Associated Press

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