Pune: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shifted its focus to midday meal schemes and school canteens after cracking down on food adulteration across Maharashtra.It has launched inspections of private school canteens and central kitchens supplying meals to students. The move aims to tighten food safety standards and prevent incidents that could put children’s health at risk.FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe is spear-heading the drive. The department has held meetings with school principals, officials from the education department and representatives of self help groups involved in preparing and supplying meals. Schools have been directed to strictly follow food safety norms, hygiene standards and quality protocols.On Friday, during a meeting in Mumbai, FDA assistant commissioner PR Singarwad stressed the need for strict implementation of the Food Safety Act, 2020. He said maintaining hygiene, ensuring food safety and providing nutritious meals to students are essential responsibilities of schools and meal providers. Officials said any violation of food safety norms would invite strict action.The inspections come against the backdrop of several complaints in recent years involving poor quality food served under the midday meal scheme, including reports of worms and other contaminants being found in meals. There have also been instances of unhygienic conditions in school canteens. The FDA said there would be no compromise on students’ health and safety.The latest action also follows the state’s recent decision to ban the sale of an energy drink within a 500m radius of schools after concerns were raised by MLA Vikram Pachpute. Despite the ban, authorities have received reports that the drink continues to be sold near some schools, prompting closer monitoring by the FDA.
