Indore: Authorities have issued an improvement notice to a private school in Indore after inspections found multiple food safety and hygiene violations following an incident in which several students reportedly fell ill after eating food served on the campus.
According to officials, inspections of school messes and canteens have been intensified across the district. During an inspection of the school’s kitchen and food storage facilities, food safety officers identified several violations of prescribed hygiene and safety standards.
The inspection found that kitchen windows were not properly covered, increasing the risk of pest entry. Raw materials were stored improperly, while expired food items were also found, indicating non-compliance with food stock management practices such as FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expired, First Out).
Officials also reported the absence of food quality testing records. In some areas, aluminium utensils were being used instead of food-grade equipment for food preparation.
The inspection further revealed that used cooking oil had been stored in the kitchen. The deep freezer lacked a temperature display and control system, while food handlers were wearing only caps without aprons or gloves. The institution also failed to produce the latest NABL-certified water quality test report, and pest control records were found to be incomplete.
Laboratory analysis of 23 food samples collected during the inspection found that five samples — including drinking water, soybean oil, a savoury snack, pigeon pea (toor) dal and strawberry ice cream — did not meet prescribed food safety standards. Statutory action has been initiated based on the test results.
The institution has been issued an improvement notice under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, directing it to rectify all deficiencies within 14 days and submit a compliance report with supporting documents. Officials said failure to comply within the stipulated period could result in suspension of the institution’s food licence or registration and other legal action.
District authorities said permission to resume mess and food operations will be granted only after a joint inspection confirms that all deficiencies have been rectified and food safety standards are fully met.
