Criminal case against supplier if poor ingredients in mid-day meals cause food poisoning in Maharashtra

Sharad Gosavi, director of Primary Education, told The Indian Express, “There are various reasons for which food poisoning might occur. If the ingredients are fine when they were sent and get spoiled during improper storage or during cooking, then the supplier cannot be blamed. Bad water, hygiene, improper cooking, or use of expired ingredients also causes food poisoning. We usually do a lab test of cooked food, but if the raw ingredient is found to be problematic then the case will be filed against the supplier.”

The GR stated that the SOPs have been introduced as incidents of food poisoning after students consume midday meals had been observed in the state. The procedures state that the quality of the oil, salt, chilli powder and garam masala supplied by the supplier to the school should be checked and the expiry date should be under one year. Further, rice and other grain products must be stored at a height above the ground to prevent spoilage. The food should be tested for quality and taste by school officials before they are served to the children.

Mahendra Ganpule, former head of the Maharashtra School Principal’s Association, said, “This rule about filing a criminal case on the supplier is a new introduction. It is surely a good measure. However, the school is not given enough time to check for the quality of supplies when the supplier drops the ingredients at the school. The vehicle stops near the school, drops off the ingredients and wants to get the signature and leave as soon as possible. Adequate time should be provided to check the ingredients.”