Maharashtra Govt Makes Taste Test Mandatory In Schools To Prevent Food Poisoning Cases

Mumbai | To prevent incidents of food poisoning among schoolchildren, the Maharashtra government has issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the mid-day meal scheme. As per the updated guidelines, it is now mandatory for the school principal or a teacher to taste the food before it is served to students.

If poor-quality food is detected and the supplier is found responsible, criminal charges will be filed. The SOP also strengthens hygiene protocols and quality checks for all food supplies.

Under the PM Poshan Scheme, students from Classes 1 to 8 in government, local self-government, and private aided schools receive mid-day meals. However, concerns have arisen due to incidents of food-related illness. The new SOP holds not just principals and teachers accountable, but also includes responsibilities for education officers, cooks, school management committees, health departments, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Key Highlights of the New SOP:

Mandatory Taste Test: After preparation, the meal must be tasted first by the principal, a teacher, cook, or a parent. Their feedback must be recorded.

Sample Storage: A sealed sample of each meal must be stored for 24 hours for testing in case of complaints.

Ingredient Quality: Rice, grains, and other materials must be inspected and accepted only if of good quality. Suppliers must replace substandard items.

Shelf Life: Ingredients must have a minimum remaining shelf life of one year.

Immediate Medical Action: In case of suspected food poisoning, nearby health centers or hospitals must be contacted immediately.

Legal Action: If poisoning results from low-quality supplies and lab reports confirm it, the supplier will face criminal charges, and the primary education director must be informed.

Government Instructions Also Include:

Use vegetables grown in school kitchen gardens.

Keep cooking areas clean and conduct regular pest control.

Monthly inspections of suppliers’ warehouses by education officers.

Impose a ₹50,000 fine on the first violation of warehouse hygiene, and ₹1 lakh for repeated offenses.

Once a month, food samples from two schools per taluka must be lab-tested.

The state aims to ensure safe, nutritious, and hygienic food reaches every child in Maharashtra’s schools under this revised policy.