A report is expected by the end of this week on the findings carried out on food samples which left 16 pupils at a south primary school ill after they allegedly ate tuna sandwiches provided by a caterer under the National School Feeding Programme. Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh said the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute was conducting tests to determine whether any "bacteriological contaminations have taken place."
The caterer was "put on hold" the minister said. Asked what were some of the ministry's and board's plans to prevent another occurrence, Gopeesingh said regular inspection and strict hygienic quality.
Gopeesingh said at a daily cost of $1.2 million, VAT inclusive, breakfast and lunch were provided to 153,542 students across the country. He said there were 74 caterers who served meals to students in 861 early childhood centres, primary, secondary and special needs schools.
He said the ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of Food Production to ensure the food served to students was 100 per cent local. Gopeesingh added the kitchens which prepared the meals would continue to maintain high standards and be "superbly clean and healthy." He said field officers also would continue to make regular checks to ensure caterers adhered to the best health and hygienic practices. (RKR)
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Daily breakfasts–56,369
Daily lunches–97,173
Schools:
South–196
Central–198
East–224
North–243
Caterers:
South–18
Central–17
East–20
North–19