Nashik ZP Schools Must Serve Safe Food

Nashik's Chief Executive Officer, Omkar Pawar, has ordered the strict implementation of food safety regulations in Zilla Parishad schools.

The move aims to ensure that students receive clean, safe, nutritious, and balanced meals.

Pawar held a meeting with Block Development Officers and Block Education Officers via video conferencing to discuss the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2020.

The meeting was attended by various officials, including MP Bhaskar Bhagare and Joint Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Mangesh Mane.

As per the directives, schools that provide meals themselves must obtain FSSAI registration or a license.

Central kitchens and self-help groups that supply mid-day meals must also complete the food safety licensing and registration process.

The sale of high-fat, salt, and sugar food items within school premises has been prohibited.

Gram Panchayats, school administrations, and management committees have been instructed to ensure that such items are not sold within a 50-meter radius of the school entrance.

MP Bhaskar Bhagare emphasized the importance of students receiving safe and nutritious food.

He urged all concerned agencies to work in coordination to ensure that the regulations are implemented within schools and their surroundings.

CEO Omkar Pawar stated that ensuring students receive safe and nutritious food is a collective responsibility.

Necessary measures must be implemented immediately in all schools in accordance with the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration.

Directives have also been issued to implement strict measures regarding safe drinking water, sanitation, food storage, temperature control, pest control, waste management, and the personal hygiene of food-handling staff.

Public awareness sessions on food safety and nutrition will be organized during every academic year.

The FDA will inspect government and private schools across the district, and legal action will be taken if any violations are found.

All concerned authorities have been urged to ensure the timely and complete implementation of the issued directives.

The implementation of these regulations is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of students in Nashik's Zilla Parishad schools.

It is a significant step towards providing a safe and nutritious environment for students to learn and grow.

In conclusion, the Nashik CEO's order to implement food safety regulations in ZP schools is a welcome move.

It highlights the importance of providing safe and nutritious food to students and ensures that they have a healthy and supportive environment to learn and develop.