PANJIM: The Education Department has directed Ekata Mahila Self Help Group (SHG) to stop supplying the midday meal to Mahanandu Naik High School at Bhoma where 22 students were rushed to the primary health centre after a student found a lizard in the meal on Tuesday.
The SHG is also barred from supplying midday meals to other schools pending Food and Drugs Administration’s (FDA) report on the food test. The report will decide whether the SHG is let off with a fine or has its licence suspended.
“The FDA has collected food samples from the school for laboratory analysis. Until then, we have issued directions to Ekata Mahila SHG to stop supplying midday meals to schools, where it serves cooked food as listed in the government contract,” Education Director G P Bhat told Herald.
Sources said 25 schools will be affected with the midday meal closure, but the department has ensured that other SHGs cook extra meals to serve students in these schools.
FDA has sent the food samples for microbiological analysis, and the report is expected within a week.
The Education Department is also expected to issue a circular to all SHGs and schools to ensure cleanliness of the premises where the food is cooked. “Our officials have been put on the job to inspect these areas. Hygienic place to cook the midday meal has always been our priority,” he said.
