Food poisoning; a joint committee will be appointed to inspect noon meal in schools

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister V Sivankutty said that a joint committee will be appointed to look into the issue of food poisoning from noon meals in schools in the state. The minister said that an inspection would be carried out jointly by Health, Civil, Supplies and Food safety department.

The decision was taken at a high level meeting chaired by Ministers G R Anil and V Sivankutty. School kitchens and utensils will be inspected tomorrow and the day after. Training will also be provided for the cooks. Samples were taken from the areas of food poisoning. The report will be received within 5 days. The reason for this can be stated only after that. The decision is to remain vigilant in this regard. The minister said a joint committee would be appointed to look into the matter.

It has been directed to test water used in schools within a week. Water should be tested every 6 months. Officials and elected representatives should arrive at the school during lunchtime and dine with them. Minister G.R. Anil will visit a school in Kozhikode and the Education Minister will visit the school in Thiruvananthapuram tomorrow.

The district Noon feeding supervisors and Noon meal officers in sub-district level will visit the schools from tomorrow to inspect the kitchen, utensils, water tank, toilets and utensils. Drinking water testing of schools across the state will be done within a week with the help of Water Authority and other departments.

The results of samples taken from LMS LPS Uchakada, Thiruvananthapuram, Govt UPS Kayamkulam and Govt LPS Padannakad, Kasargod will be available within five days. The minister said that at present no one is in hospitals with any ailments.