Health Dept teams inspect mid-day meals

Two inspection teams of the Health Department on Thursday assessed the quality of mid-day meals in schools across Hoshiarpur city and the Mahilpur area. During the inspection, three food samples—mashed lentils, chana dal and rice—were collected for testing.

A team comprising District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Jatinder Bhatia and Assistant Civil Surgeon Dr Ajay Basra visited various schools in Hoshiarpur city to examine the meals being prepared for students and to raise awareness about maintaining cleanliness during food preparation.

Dr Bhatia said that Food Safety Officers Vivek Kumar and Ishan Bansal inspected government schools in the Mahilpur area and also collected food samples. While sensitising mid-day meal workers, Dr Bhatia urged them to ensure cleanliness in food preparation areas. He advised using a clean, separate dustpan for cleaning surfaces, wiping utensils properly, and keeping a separate covered dustbin for food waste. All food items, he stressed, must be kept covered at all times.

He further highlighted the importance of hand hygiene, instructing workers to wash their hands before and after handling food, after using the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing.

He reiterated that FSSAI regulations must be strictly followed while preparing mid-day meals. Dr Bhatia emphasised that for students to lead a healthy and fit life, it is essential for them to maintain personal cleanliness and keep their surroundings clean.