Latest news with #PunjabStateFoodCommission
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Midday meal inspection in Ludhiana: Grains, grime and glaring gaps in the lunch line
Ludhiana: A surprise inspection by Punjab State Food Commission member Chetan Prakash Dhaliwal has uncovered hygiene lapses and storage issues at government schools, Anganwadi centres, and ration depots in the city, prompting immediate corrective orders and a renewed focus on food safety. Dhaliwal visited govt primary and high schools in Haibowal Kalan, Anganwadi centres in Joshi Nagar, and ration depots in Santosh Nagar, Pavitar Nagar, and Hakikat Nagar. During his inspection, he tasted meals personally, reviewed storage conditions, checked drinking water quality, and assessed overall cleanliness. At several schools, he found poorly stored food grains and detected excess Total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water — an indicator of unsafe consumption levels. He issued on-the-spot instructions to rectify the issues, including installing RO systems where necessary and conducting regular water quality checks. Dhaliwal also directed midday meal staff to wear head and hand coverings while cooking, and strictly follow the prescribed menu to ensure nutritional standards. He called for the inclusion of fresh vegetables and fruits in school meals and mandated biannual health check-ups for both students and midday meal workers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors Are Losing Weight with These Barefoot Shoes – You Won't Believe It! Barefoot Vitality Undo At ration depots, Dhaliwal noted a lack of complaint boxes and absence of public awareness materials. He instructed officials to install complaint boxes and display the Commission's toll-free helpline (9876764545) at schools, Anganwadi centres, and ration shops to enable reporting of food quality issues. Earlier in the day, Dhaliwal chaired a meeting at the district administrative complex to review the implementation of welfare schemes including the Midday Meal Program, School Health Initiative, Antyodaya Anna Yojana, Fair Price Shops, Integrated Child Development Services, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and the National Food Security Act. He stressed the importance of organic farming and warned of the health dangers associated with excessive pesticide and fertiliser use. Reaffirming the Food Commission's commitment to ensuring food security, he said the state must guarantee safe, nutritious food and clean water as a public health priority. "Strict action will be taken against future violations related to hygiene, storage, or food quality," Dhaliwal said.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Mohali: Commission directs mid-day meal cooks to follow sanitation protocols
During a surprise inspection by the Punjab State Food Commission member Vijay Dutt, several irregularities were found in the preparation and distribution of mid-day meals. The cooking staff were found violating basic hygiene protocols—head caps, aprons, and gloves were missing, and sanitation standards were being neglected. Dutt took serious note of these lapses and issued immediate directives for strict compliance. During a surprise inspection by the Punjab State Food Commission member Vijay Dutt, several irregularities were found in the preparation and distribution of mid-day meals. (HT File/ Representational image) The inspections were carried out to review the implementation of welfare schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) across several government schools, and anganwadi centres in the Kharar area, including Naya Shehar Badala and Badali village. Dutt directed all cooking and serving staff to wear proper uniforms, follow sanitation protocols, and undergo regular health check-ups to ensure food safety and hygiene. He also emphasised the need to maintain proper food testing registers and ensure that nutritious and clean meals are served to students. Another serious concern raised was the poor quality of drinking water in several schools. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels were found to be irregular. Dutt directed the concerned authorities to conduct regular water quality testing and ensure safe drinking water is made available to all students. During the inspections, Dutt interacted with students and shared a meal with them to obtain direct feedback on the quality and taste of the food. He highlighted the importance of transparency, hygiene, and accountability in the entire mid-day meal process. Additionally, it was observed that the commission's complaint and helpline number was not displayed in any of the inspected schools or anganwadi centres. Dutt issued firm instructions to ensure that the helpline number-9876764545 is prominently displayed at all centres and schools. He added that any beneficiary facing issues related to the NFSA may register their grievance through this helpline and assured prompt redressal by the commission. Dutt reiterated that no negligence will be tolerated when it comes to children's health and nutrition. He warned that repeated violations will invite strict action against the responsible authorities.
