Food Commission member inspects mid-day meals at schools

Punjab State Food Commission Member Chetan Prakash Dhaliwal conducted a surprise inspection of mid-day meal at government primary and high schools in Haibowal Kalan, as well as Anganwari centres in Joshi Nagar and ration depots in Santosh Nagar, Pavitar Nagar and Haqeeqat Nagar.

During the inspection, Dhaliwal personally tasted the meals, examined food storage facilities and assessed hygiene standards. He identified some deficiencies in cleanliness and improper storage of food grains at the schools, along with some excess total dissolved solids (TDS) levels in drinking water. Immediate directives were issued to address these issues.

Dhaliwal instructed the mid-day meal staff to wear head and hand coverings, and strictly adhere to the prescribed menu to provide nutritious meals. He also reviewed the mid-day meal register and drinking water facilities, emphasising regular water quality checks and the installation of RO systems where necessary. Additionally, he mandated biannual health check-ups for students and mid-day meal workers and urged schools to incorporate fresh vegetables and fruits into meals to enhance nutrition.

At the ration depots, Dhaliwal noted the absence of complaint boxes and awareness banners. He instructed officials to install complaint boxes outside all ration depots and display the Punjab State Food Commission’s toll-free number (9876764545) at schools, Anganwari centres and ration depots to facilitate public reporting of food quality concerns.

Earlier, Dhaliwal chaired a meeting at the District Administrative Complex to review key welfare schemes, including the School Health Programme, Antyodaya Anna Yojana, Fair Price Shops, Integrated Child Development Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, National Food Security Act, mid-day meals and food/water sampling initiatives. He stressed the importance of organic farming, highlighting the health risks posed by excessive pesticide and fertilizer use.

Dhaliwal reaffirmed the Punjab State Food Commission’s commitment to ensuring access to quality, nutritious food through effective implementation of the Food Security Act, promotion of organic farming, and provision of clean drinking water to improve public health and well-being. He warned that any future negligence in maintaining hygiene or food quality standards would result in strict action.