INDORE: Authorities sealed kitchens at some educational institutions and seized expired food products during inspections across Indore after more than 150 students reportedly fell ill, prompting a wider review of food safety standards in schools.
Joint teams from the district administration and the food safety department inspected several schools on Wednesday and found multiple violations of food safety and hygiene norms.
At one school, officials found expired food items and the absence of a valid food licence. The expired products were destroyed on site and the kitchen was ordered to shut immediately. Inspectors also found that tanker water was being used without quality-testing records, while an RO water storage tank was found to be inadequately maintained.
At another school, officials seized expired food products, including sauce and cooking oil, and collected food samples for laboratory testing. Samples of meals served to students and food items stored on the premises were also taken for examination.
Inspections at other educational institutions revealed deficiencies in hygiene standards, food storage practices, pest-control records and the monitoring of food handlers. Authorities collected samples of cooked food, grains, spices and dairy products for analysis. One institution was directed to keep its kitchen closed until corrective measures are completed.
Officials said all samples have been sent to the State Food Testing Laboratory. Further action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, will depend on the test results.
The administration has urged parents and residents to report food safety violations, unhygienic conditions or suspected adulteration at schools, hostels, canteens and other food establishments through the district helpline.
