Sancta Maria International School in Hyderabad caught in hygiene violations in kitchen by GHMC

HYDERABAD: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on Thursday inspected the premises of Sancta Maria International School and expressed concern about the hygiene in the school kitchen and the food served to the children.

During the inspection, food inspectors discovered that workers' clothes were dried on the children's plates and idly dough without a preparation date or expiration date was found in a cold storage room. They also discovered chopped vegetables stored without lids in the cold room.

During the inspections, no pest control records, no cleaning logs, no records of oil frying, and no medical certificates were provided by 59-year-old Simanchal Nahak, who was in charge of the store.

They also discovered dried masala powders, red chilies, and dry culinary products without expiry dates. They also discovered the Rajshree Vadapav masala packet that expired in June 2023.They also determined that the wrapping material that was used to serve and pack food was not of food grade quality. They also found black coloured oil in the kitchen as the frying oil was not regularly tested. The raw and cooked food components were not properly segregated.

During the inspections, no records of pest control were provided, no records of cleaning and frying oil were kept, and no medical certificates were provided by the store manager.

It was noted that the machines used to make dosas are made of corrosive material that is difficult to clean, and that the floors in the oil frying area are slippery. Stagnant water was found on the edges of the kitchen floor and the kitchen equipment was not maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions; there were no measuring or monitoring devices. Waste garbage cans without lids and grease chimneys were found in the kitchen and canteen.

Samples of red chilli sauce, DNV vinegar, and used cooking oil were collected in accordance with the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, and Rules & Regulations, 2011. These samples would be sent to the Telangana-Hyderabad State Food Laboratory for analysis and action would be taken based on the analysis report.

In addition, a show cause notice would be served on the management for the violations found during the inspection, and judgement would be filed before the Addl. Collector (Revenue), Ranga Reddy District, to impose a penalty for the above violations.