COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on a private contractor after a worm was discovered in food served to sanitation workers in the city. The action follows a complaint supported by video evidence submitted by sanitation workers in Ward 91, Podanur, last month. Workers were reportedly shocked after finding a worm in the food distributed under the corporation’s breakfast scheme.
Breakfast Scheme for Sanitation Workers
The civic body provides breakfast to around 1,900 permanent and 4,650 contract sanitation workers across its 100 wards. Meals are prepared daily at three centralised kitchens and distributed throughout the city. The scheme aims to ensure workers start their day with a nutritious meal.
Investigation and Findings
Following the complaint, corporation officials conducted an inquiry and collected food samples for examination. Preliminary findings suggested that contamination may have occurred due to negligence during the food preparation process. Officials suspect the worm could have accidentally fallen into the food from a nearby tree while cooking was underway at the Podanur facility.
Penalty and Warning
According to sources, based on the inquiry report, the corporation commissioner ordered a fine of ₹1 lakh on the contractor responsible for preparing and supplying the food. The contractor was also issued a warning and directed to strengthen hygiene and quality-control measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The corporation emphasised that strict action would be taken against any lapses in food safety.
