Ministry warns of legal action over substandard food in primary school

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has issued a warning of departmental and legal action over allegations of rotten and substandard food distribution under the government primary school mid-day meal programme in different parts of the country.

In a notification issued on Saturday, the ministry said complaints have been received from various upazilas over the distribution of rotten banana bread, spoiled boiled eggs, undersized and rotten bananas and other low quality food items during implementation of the feeding programme in government primary schools.

The ministry observed that such irregularities could undermine the objectives of the project and create health risks for young children, stressing the need to ensure quality food supply at every stage of distribution.

According to the notification, authorities concerned have been instructed to verify both the quality and quantity of food supplied by contractors before acceptance and distribution in schools.

The ministry also directed that food distribution must take place on the specified date and time in accordance with work orders, while appropriate storage and distribution systems must be maintained at school level to preserve food quality.

Particular emphasis was placed on checking whether buns are fresh, soft and properly packaged. Authorities were also instructed to ensure that packaging remains intact and free from tears, moisture, fungus, foul smell or signs of decay.

The notification further stated that production and expiry dates, along with the specified net weight of 120 grams, must be clearly mentioned on the packets.

The ministry directed school authorities not to receive any defective or low quality food items from suppliers under any circumstances and to immediately inform higher authorities if such food is delivered.

"If any negligence, laxity or irregularities are found in this regard, action will be taken through departmental proceedings and under the law," the notification maintained.