BMC blacklists midday meal provider group

MUMBAI: The BMC has backlisted Sumangal Mahila Sangathana, a women’s self-help group, after rodents were found in khichdi that it had supplied to a civic school in Chembur.
“We have levied a fine of Rs 5,000 on the group. They will not be allowed to provide food to any schools it has a contract with,” said Vinod Shelar, chairman of the BMC’s school education committee.Two rats were found in the midday meal provided to students at the Chembur Naka MTS school on Thursday. While no students fell ill, a few experienced nausea and vomited.
Following frequent instances of worms, rodents being found in the midday meals, the BMC has been asking permission to start centralized kitchens. “It is not possible to monitor all groups. We have requested for permission to set up a few kitchens so that a standard can be maintained,” said Shelar.