HGP Nightly News – Senior officials from the Ministry of Education have begun conducting unannounced inspections at schools across the country as part of tighter oversight of the National Breakfast Programme, following a wave of complaints from parents over the quality of meals served to students.
Between last year and this year, parents in several regions raised concerns after discovering that some meals provided under the programme were substandard and, in some cases, uneatable. Complaints alleged that poorly prepared food could potentially cause sickness among children, prompting calls for stronger monitoring of suppliers contracted to deliver school breakfasts.
Against that backdrop, the ministry has moved to introduce impromptu visits by senior education officers, who will taste-test meals and inspect food handling, portions and packaging at schools. Officials have warned that suppliers who fail to meet required standards will face strict action.
One such visit took place on Wednesday morning when Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, stopped at Enterprise Primary School while en route to work.
At the time of the visit, the supplier was serving cereal with chocolate milk, along with boiled and fried channa accompanied by apple juice. According to checks conducted by Dr. Tularam, the meals met required standards, with officials reporting satisfactory results for freshness, taste, portion size and packaging.
The Ministry of Education says the spot checks are intended to restore confidence in the breakfast programme and ensure that children receive meals that are safe, nutritious and fit for consumption, particularly in light of earlier complaints.
Parents and teachers are also being urged to remain vigilant. The ministry has encouraged members of the public to report any supplier who is not delivering meals in keeping with agreed standards, stressing that accountability from contractors is essential to the success of the programme.
Education officials say the impromptu inspections will continue nationwide as part of a broader effort to safeguard student health and ensure consistency in the quality of school meals.
