New Delhi: Ensuring safe and hygienic food for millions of school children has once again come into focus as authorities strengthen guidelines under India’s mid day meal programme, now known as the PM Poshan scheme. The initiative, one of the largest school feeding programmes in the world, provides daily meals to more than 11 crore children, making food safety a critical concern.
Recent reports and inspections have highlighted the need for stricter hygiene practices in school kitchens. In response, officials are reinforcing clear guidelines to ensure that meals served to children are not only nutritious but also safe to eat.
At the heart of these measures is the importance of maintaining clean kitchen environments. Schools are expected to keep cooking areas clean at all times, with regular sanitation before and after food preparation. Equally important is the personal hygiene of cooks and helpers, who are required to wash their hands properly, wear clean clothing, and follow basic health practices while handling food.
Proper storage of ingredients is another key focus. Food grains and supplies must be kept in clean, dry containers and protected from pests and moisture. Authorities have also stressed that only fresh and good quality ingredients should be used, with strict checks to prevent the use of expired or unsafe items.
Cooking practices are also being closely monitored. Meals must be cooked thoroughly and served hot to reduce the risk of contamination. Utensils and cooking equipment need to be cleaned and dried properly to avoid the spread of bacteria. Safe drinking water must be available for cooking as well as cleaning purposes.
Waste management and pest control are also part of the updated guidelines. Schools are encouraged to dispose of waste properly and ensure that kitchens remain free from insects and rodents. Alongside this, students are being guided to follow handwashing routines before meals, helping build healthy habits from a young age.
These renewed efforts come after several instances in different regions where poor hygiene led to concerns about food quality and student health. Authorities have since increased inspections and introduced training programmes for kitchen staff to improve awareness and accountability.
Officials say that food safety is not just about preventing illness but also about protecting the trust of families who rely on the programme. Clean and safe meals play a key role in improving attendance, supporting nutrition, and helping children focus on their education.
With stronger monitoring and better awareness, the government aims to ensure that every meal served in schools is both safe and nourishing, reinforcing the larger goal of child welfare and development.