Rajasthan Government Implements Stringent Hygiene Guidelines for Midday Meals in Jaipur Schools
The midday meal department of the Rajasthan government issued a set of new and comprehensive hygiene guidelines on Thursday specifically for schools in Jaipur. This initiative is strategically designed to significantly reduce health risks and substantially improve overall safety standards during the critical processes of meal preparation and distribution. The primary objective is to safeguard the well-being of students across the city's educational institutions.
Strict Ban on Expired and Contaminated Food Items
A senior official from the department emphasized the paramount importance of student health and safety. "All officials have been directed that food items and powdered milk that are expired, contaminated, or unfit for human consumption should not be used under any circumstances, and the disposal of such materials should be ensured in a lawful manner," the official stated. This directive includes a strict and unequivocal ban on the use of expired milk powder, which has been identified as a potential health hazard.
Regular Inspections and Quality Control Measures
Officials have instructed school staff to conduct regular and thorough inspections of all food items. These inspections aim to ensure the absence of various contaminants, including:
- Biological hazards such as bacteria, yeasts, molds, viruses, or parasites.
- Physical particles like pebbles, wood, insects, and dirt.
Furthermore, the department has mandated that schools use only pre-packaged ingredients for cooking midday meals. This list includes:
- Packed dals (lentils)
- Salt and double fortified salt
- Spices and condiments
- Oil
An additional key instruction prohibits the storage of perishable food items in plastic bags to prevent chemical contamination and spoilage.
Enhanced Kitchen Hygiene and Cleaning Protocols
The newly issued guidelines place strong emphasis on maintaining impeccable cleanliness in school kitchens. Kitchen floors and the slabs where food is prepared and cooked must be cleaned daily, both before and after the cooking process. The guidelines highlight the high risk of cross-contamination associated with cleaning accessories. "Cleaning accessories such as cloths, mops and brushes carry a very high risk of cross contamination. They must therefore be thoroughly washed, cleaned, and dried after use. Sun drying of the cleaning accessories in a clean and tidy place should be done," the document specifies.
Mandatory Handwashing Regime for All Stakeholders
To promote personal hygiene, schools have been directed to allocate a dedicated time slot within the daily timetable specifically for handwashing. This practice is mandatory for children, cooks, and teachers alike. The guidelines stipulate that children's handwashing must be actively supervised and monitored to ensure proper technique and compliance. The use of soap is strongly emphasized for effective sanitation.
These comprehensive measures by the Rajasthan government represent a proactive step towards ensuring that the midday meal scheme, a vital nutritional program, is delivered under the safest and most hygienic conditions possible for the students of Jaipur.
