Report

The Telangana Education Commission (TEC) plans to recommend to the state government that schools purchase only branded food items like dal, salt, and chilli powder every week, report daily to collectors, and maintain consistent pest control measures to address food safety issues in educational institutions. After inspecting around 200 schools, TEC members are compiling their findings and recommendations into a report. “The commission will meet on Monday to finalize the report and present it to the government as soon as possible,” said PL Visweshwar Rao, a TEC member.

Improving Vegetable Quality and Hygiene Standards

The inspections revealed issues such as food infestation due to prolonged storage, prompting the recommendation to buy groceries weekly to reduce waste and maintain freshness. Rao also emphasized the need to improve the process of acquiring vegetables, noting that schools often receive substandard vegetables because of budget limitations. The commission will suggest procuring high-quality provisions, including vegetables, eggs, safe drinking water, and stricter hygiene regulations for kitchens. These measures will include mandatory head coverings, gloves, and aprons for cooks and assistants.

Food Safety Committees to Hold Staff Accountable

The TEC also aims to hold school staff, such as principals and wardens, accountable for food quality by establishing food safety committees. These committees, composed of teachers and senior students, will inspect food before distribution to students. Additional recommendations include regular health assessments for cooks and assistants, effective waste management practices, and hiring only cooks who do not use tobacco.

“We want to maintain hygiene by employing cooks who do not have habits such as chewing gutka or smoking,” said TEC member Ch Venkatesh.

Source: The Times of India