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In recent times, cases of food poisoning in schools and colleges have been on the rise, raising serious concerns about food safety in educational institutions. From government-run schools to premium private institutions that charge exorbitant fees, unhygienic kitchen conditions seem to be a widespread issue. This raises an important question: Where is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in all of this?
Several incidents have been reported across India where students have fallen ill due to consuming contaminated food provided by school and college canteens. Government schools, where mid-day meals are served to millions of children, have seen multiple cases of food poisoning linked to poor-quality ingredients, unhygienic cooking conditions, and lack of proper monitoring. In private institutions, despite high fees, kitchen hygiene remains questionable, with reports of pest infestations, expired food items, and improper food storage surfacing time and again.
FSSAI, the apex regulatory body for food safety in India, is responsible for ensuring that food served in institutions meets hygiene standards. However, despite stringent regulations, the enforcement and monitoring mechanisms appear to be weak.
Schools and colleges are required to obtain food safety licenses, conduct regular inspections, and adhere to hygiene guidelines, but compliance remains inadequate due to a lack of stringent checks and penalties.Hefty Fees
Many institutions operate without proper food safety audits, allowing unhygienic conditions to persist. Government schools often struggle with inadequate facilities, including unclean kitchens, contaminated water sources, and lack of refrigeration. Reports suggest that some suppliers and school authorities cut corners by sourcing substandard ingredients to save costs. Many canteen workers and food handlers are not adequately trained in food safety measures, leading to contamination risks.
With children’s health at stake, it is imperative that the government takes urgent action to address this issue. The following steps must be prioritized:
- Strict Implementation of FSSAI Guidelines: Every institution must be held accountable for maintaining food safety standards.
- Regular Surprise Inspections: Unannounced checks should be conducted to identify and penalize violators.
- Transparent Reporting System: A grievance mechanism must be established where students and parents can report unsafe food practices.
- Awareness and Training: Canteen staff and food handlers should undergo compulsory training in hygiene and safe food handling.
Educational institutions are meant to be safe spaces where students learn and grow, not fall sick due to negligence. The alarming rise in food poisoning cases calls for immediate intervention by FSSAI and the concerned authorities. If strict action is not taken, we risk endangering the health and future of our young generation. The question remains: How long will authorities turn a blind eye to this growing crisis?
