Directed the officials to check the nutritional contents

Chandigarh, February 2: In order to ensure quality of mid-day meal (MDM) with proper nutritional contents in Government Schools and Anganwadis, Chairman of Punjab Food Commission Mr. D.P. Reddy has directed the officials to collect random samples of the meal served to children under the scheme. These samples would be sent for laboratory tests. He added that officials of Health and Education Department would supervise the preparation of meals.

In a review meeting with Additional Chief Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mr. Satish Chandra and other officials, Mr. Redddy further said that officials would ensure that the meal have been prepared in hygienic conditions and will encouraged students to wash their hands before eating the meal. Claiming that these exercises were initiated to strengthen mid-day meal's management in schools, He said that the set norms have to be complied with under all circumstances.

Elaborating Further Chairman said, "We plan to collect food samples for laboratory tests to ascertain the quality of food being served to children". He said that the use of potable water for preparing food is mandatory and it should be checked regularly. School authorities have also been asked to keep the cooking area clean and maintain quality and safety of food. Anganwadis and Schools would have to maintain Monthly Growth Card of every student's health and weight status. Children should be offered meal as per the menu.

On this occasion Mrs. Raji P Srivastava Principal Secretary, Social Security and Development of Women and Children, Member of Food Commission Mr. P.S. Shergill and officials of NHM, MCH and Education Department were present.