State Responds to Repeated Food Poisoning Incidents in Schools and Hostels
The Telangana government has established a robust framework to address recurring food safety issues in its schools, welfare hostels, and hospitals. Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari issued directives on November 28, forming Task Force committees at the institutional level to monitor food quality and prevent foodborne illnesses.
Structure of the Task Force
Each institution—government-run schools, residential facilities, Anganwadi centers, and hospitals—will host a three-member Task Force committee comprising:
- The Commissioner of Food Safety or a food safety officer.
- The head of the concerned department.
- A district-level officer of the institution.
These committees will inspect, identify, and address food safety violations. Reports detailing their findings will be submitted directly to the Chief Secretary.
Key Responsibilities and Protocols
In parallel, the Scheduled Caste Development Department issued its mandate to ensure safer food handling practices:
- Institution-level committees, consisting of the head and two staff members, must inspect kitchens and storage areas before every meal.
- Food must be tasted by committee members prior to distribution.
- Photos documenting inspections and activities will be stored until a mobile app for real-time updates is developed.
Chief Minister’s Stern Directive
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed strong displeasure over food poisoning cases in government-run facilities, emphasizing zero tolerance for negligence. He instructed district Collectors to:
- Treat students as their own children.
- Prioritize quality meals in schools and hostels.
- Hold negligent officials accountable, with possible dismissal for lapses.
The government’s proactive stance follows the Telangana High Court’s sharp criticism over the alarming rise in food safety incidents.
Implications for Public Health and Trust
This initiative signals a systematic approach to safeguarding public health in government institutions. It reflects the state’s commitment to restoring trust among parents and guardians, ensuring that such incidents do not tarnish the image of welfare programs.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
