Rajasthan govt steps up food safety checks in schools after Kota incident

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has asked schools to be extra careful about the food served to students, directing officials to carry out regular checks of kitchens, foodgrains, drinking water and cooked meals. The move comes after 27 students at a government school in Kota fell ill following a mid-day meal.

In an advisory issued on August 25, the mid-day meal department asked district education officers to ensure that school heads check food-safety arrangements before meals are served. Schools have been told to keep a close watch on the quality and storage of foodgrains, kitchen hygiene, cooked food, gas stoves, drinking water and the health and cleanliness of cooks and helpers.

School authorities have also been asked to take students’ complaints about food seriously and investigate them promptly.

The instructions specifically warn schools against using foodgrains or other ingredients showing mould, pests, moisture, foul smell, unusual colour or any other defect. Such items have to be kept separately from other food supplies and reported to senior officials.

There are similar instructions for cooked meals. If the taste, smell, colour or appearance of food appears unusual, schools have been told not to serve it until it has been checked.

Emergency numbers must be displayed

The department has also asked schools to put up an Emergency Contact List prominently in the head’s office and kitchen. It should include 112 for emergency services, 108 and 102 for ambulance and medical assistance, 101 for fire services and 1098 for the child helpline.

The Kota incident has brought renewed attention to the need for everyday checks rather than waiting for a complaint or illness to occur.

School Speaks View

For students, the message is simple: the meal served at school should be safe before it reaches their plate. Regular checks of ingredients, water, kitchens and cooked food can help schools spot problems early and prevent a food-safety incident from becoming a bigger emergency.

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