New SOPs aim to ensure safe distribution and storage of nutrition bars in Mumbai schools

The 25-gram nutrition bars are given to civic school students as an addition to their mid-day meal. Representation pic/istock

After much debate over alleged hygiene concerns around nutrition bars provided to civic school students, the BMC education department has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the supplementary nutrition scheme.

Teachers, principals, and education inspectors have been given end-to-end responsibility to ensure the bars are safe for consumption. The guidelines mandate checks on sourcing from authorised contractors, airtight packaging, maintenance of supply registers, safe storage, and proper handling of the nutrition bars. Also, children must consume the bars on the school premises itself.

Safety compliance

The SOPs require a panchanama if any objectionable item is found during distribution. In such cases, the teacher, school staff, principal, and two parent representatives from the school management committee must inspect the bar, which is then signed, sealed, and sent for laboratory testing through the school administrative officer.