Guidelines to ensure quality, safe food to schoolkids in offing

In a bid to ensure a healthy diet for schoolchildren, the Central Government has drafted guidelines to regulate the sale of junk food in school canteens across the country. According to the Government instructions, canteen staff will be trained to ensure nutrition value and hygiene.

“Training of food-handlers and kitchen staff in schools would reduce mishaps pertaining to food safety. Schools should have at least one full time person-in-charge certified in Food Safety and training programmes should be promoted in schools through interactions and demonstrations,” suggested the guidelines, which have been submitted in the Delhi High Court. The court has asked the Centre to formulate rules for the same while dealing a PIL seeking a ban on the sale of junk food and aerated drinks in schools.

The guidelines dissuaded the consumption of junk food and highlighted its harmful implications. The Government also suggested purchase of packaged food items and raw materials from reliable supplying agencies preferably approved by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

According to the guidelines, schools should ensure that the food purchased carries certification mark assuring good quality. “For example, AGMARK for Honey and FPO (Fruit Products Order) for jams and squashes. Packaged food items must be checked for their manufacturing and expiry dates before making them available to the kids,” said the guidelines also asking the schools to maintain a detailed performa of food items -- including the name of vendors, date and time, quantity of raw items ordered and delivered.

In 35 paged set of guidelines, the Government has also prescribed safety measures to be followed during procurement of food items in schools, storage and hygiene measures required to be taken.

“Schools should maintain a rejection policy to ensure quality if the containers carrying food items are deteriorating the food it should be kept in safe temperature zone.”

It also mentioned the need to spread awareness among kids, parents and teachers about what constitutes healthy food. Schools have been asked to elaborate on the ill effects of unhealthy products, through social media and health awareness programs in the curriculum.

“Messages related to risks of unhealthy foods can be spread across through social media like Facebook and Twitter to sensitise parents or guardians of school children,” said the guidelines. The PIL was filed by Uday Foundation on July 24, the bench had given ten days to the Government to draft guidelines and fixed the case for September 4.