Hyderabad, November 28, 2024:
The Telangana Government has taken a decisive step to safeguard the health of students and residents in state-run educational institutions and hostels by constituting a Task Force Committee on Food Safety. This move follows a series of food poisoning incidents, including the tragic death of a 16-year-old student at a tribal welfare school and repeated cases in other institutions.
The newly formed Task Force will focus on creating a robust institutional mechanism to monitor and ensure food safety in schools, welfare hostels, residential institutions, anganwadi centers, and hospitals.
Key Objectives of the Task Force
- Investigation and Accountability:
The Task Force will investigate all reported food safety incidents, identify the causes, and hold those responsible accountable. Detailed reports will be submitted to Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari for further action. - Institution-Level Safety Committees:
To address contamination risks proactively, institution-level food safety committees will be set up. These committees, comprising the head of the institution and two staff members, will inspect kitchens and storerooms daily, ensuring provisions are of high quality and kitchens maintain proper hygiene. - Food Tasting Protocol:
Before serving meals to students or residents, committee members will taste the prepared food to ensure quality and safety. Photographs of inspections and meal preparations will be documented and uploaded to a mobile-based app currently under development for real-time monitoring.
Recent Incidents and Court Intervention
The move comes after the Telangana High Court expressed grave concerns over food poisoning incidents, particularly the recent cases at Zilla Parishad High School in Narayanpet district. The court has directed the state government to submit a detailed report on the matter.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has vowed to take strict action, including dismissing those found guilty of supplying unhygienic food.
District Collectors to Oversee Implementation
District collectors have been instructed to appoint supervisory officers at various levels to oversee food safety measures. These officers will visit institutions before and after cooking, ensuring the implementation of safety protocols.
A Step Towards Safer Meals
This comprehensive initiative underscores Telangana’s commitment to protecting its children and vulnerable populations from food-related health risks. By combining strict regulations, technological monitoring, and accountability, the state aims to prevent future incidents and restore confidence in its institutional food systems.
Stay tuned for updates as the government works towards a safer and healthier environment for all.
🚨Be Aware, We never charge any consultancy fee for jobs.
📲Foodtech Network WhatsApp Jobs Group
🔗 WhatsApp Groups
⚙️ Food Entrepreneurs & Startups (Our services)
🔗 https://bit.ly/3JDyPIN
🏅 Food safety training and certification.
🔗 Foodtech Network Academy
