FSSAI issues notice to 75 educational institutions in Coimbatore for unhygienic environment, poor sanitation

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have issued notices to 75 educational institutions in Coimbatore since last week for maintaining poor sanitation and unhygienic environment. The notices issued to the violators specify a time-bound of 14 days to rectify the issues. It was during the recent special drive the food safety officials found the hostels, mess, and canteens in both schools and colleges to be not following the rules. Some of the complaints raised by the officials during the drive were poor sanitation, poor hygiene, lack of personal hygiene and not displaying the food safety license to the public.

Out of the total 75 institutions that were issued notices, about 46 were colleges and the remaining were schools. Comparing to government institutions, the number of private educational institutions violating the food safety regulations were higher. Designated food safety officer K Tamil Selvan said, "During the drive, we found many failing to comply with the rules. There were some to be having their license expired but still operating without any problem. The violators were issued notices to rectify the issues."

Around 61 educational institutions and 14 institutions were issued notices under section 55 (the penalty for failure to comply with the directions of Food Safety Officer) and section 63 (Punishment for carrying out a business without a licence) respectively of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. The department is planning to intensify the drive in the upcoming days.

President of Association of Self Financing Arts, Science and Management Colleges of Tamil Nadu Ajeet Kumar Lal Mohan said they have informed all the colleges to have an FSSAI certificate. "The canteens at all colleges were asked to follow basic procedures according to the food safety guidelines. Similarly, the students could make use of the feedback mechanism at all the institutions in case of any suggestions or complaints."

When most students prefer private over government run institutions, the issue puts spotlight on the need to streamline private schools and colleges to serve hygienic food to the students.