PONDA
In a shocking incident, maggots were found in mid-day meals supplied to some Government Primary Schools (GPS) in Savoi-Verem and Keri area of Ponda taluka.
While the exact number of schools supplied with the mid-day meals infested with maggots could not be confirmed, officials from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) collected samples of the mid-day meals for inspection.
On Tuesday morning, the Self-Help Group (SHG) from Mangueshi had provided mid-day meals to a number of schools in the area.
Students from some GPSs, however, were startled to find maggots in their mid-day meals and reported the matter to their teachers. The school then notified the Ponda ADEI Amita Talaulikar.
Talaulikar along with a team of FDA officials collected samples of the mid-day meals for inspection at their laboratory.
They also visited the kitchen of the SHG at Mangueshi and inspected the premises. It is learnt that FDA officials will submit a report in the matter and based on the report, action will be initiated against the SHG.
According to sources, SHG members had run out of soya beans for the mid-day meals on Monday and had reportedly purchased soya beans from a shop at Mardol. It is suspected that the soya beans purchased from this shop must have been infested with maggots .
Action against SHG if found guilty: DoE
Taking serious note of incident, the Department of Education (DoE) has threatened action against the Self-Help Group (SHG) from Mangueshi, if it is found guilty of supplying mid-day meals infested with worms.
“An investigation is being conducted into the mid-day meals supplied by the SHG which were found infested with worms. The ADEI has been asked to submit report, after which appropriate action would be taken against this SHG, if found guilty,” said Director of Education Shailesh Zingade.
