Unhygienic school cafeterias lack regulation

While restaurants and hotels have to comply with hygiene and other standards set by food authorities, school and college cafeterias are devoid of check and balance altogether, putting students’ health at risk.

Apart from the throngs of students, unsanitary conditions and substandard cooking materials are the hallmark of cafeteria operators looking to make maximum profits off of unsuspecting children.

The challenge, however, is that regulating such cafes inside private institutions is tough. Kashif Azam, Chief Executive Officer of the District Education Authority, Rawalpindi, while talking to The Express Tribune said that canteen contracts are given by school administrations.

“It is not within our jurisdiction to stop the sale of unhealthy items,” he said. The hot-selling items at cafes are finger foods as students look for a quick bite to eat in between classes. But despite students complaining about rotten vegetables and fruits, excessive use of cooking oil, and putrid smells, business is as usual for cafeteria owners, who often pay high prices to get contracts at schools.

The problem with consuming substandard food items, especially for younger children, is the illnesses that follow. Dr Muhammad Inayat, who is the Deputy Medical Superintendent at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, informed that harmful use of oil and ghee spreads intestinal diseases.

“In addition to all stomach ailments, they also cause constipation amongst children. Similarly, poor quality fruit juices are detrimental to the health of children,” he said.

The regulation of cafeterias then becomes the responsibility of educational institutions. Abrar Ahmad Khan, President of the All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association, Rawalpindi Division, said that all our member schools have been directed not to make any compromise on canteens.

“We have given instructions to members to keep cafes clean and ensure that the cooking material used should be of good quality,” he said. “The Food Authority checks canteens and all major school cafeterias also have Food Authority certificates for cleanliness.”

While the provincial Food Authority tries to keep a check, the sheer number of private schools is overwhelming. Deputy Director Food Authority, Muzaffar Mukhtar, said that they try to address the complaints they receive from students and issue notices and fines.

“However, the number of educational institutions is in the thousands. So it is the responsibility of the management of schools to look after what the students are being sold,” he stated. However, private school owners are reluctant to take such responsibility.

Dr Feroz, principal of a local large private school chain, said that warnings are given for hygiene but that is all they can do. “We cannot sit on the heads of café owners and monitor the sale of every food item they sell. Students should be wary of what they are buying,” he told The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2022.