Lucknow: Ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) carried out a special drive to assess food preparation and storage practices at govt hospitals and medical colleges, warning that licences and registrations of erring food business operators could be suspended if shortcomings are not corrected within 14 days.The review covered kitchens and canteens linked to around 42 govt medical colleges and about 150 district and other govt hospitals. A govt spokesperson said the campaign focused on public hospitals because they cater not only to patients but also to attendants, and because patient diets often require stricter standards of quality and hygiene than routine meals.Officials examined the full food-supply chain, including preparation, storage, preservation, transportation and delivery to patients. Inspections assessed cleanliness of cooking areas, storage conditions, personal hygiene of staff, quality of raw materials, pest-control measures, distribution systems for cooked food, drinking water arrangements, sanitation of utensils and equipment, drainage and waste disposal, and compliance with diet requirements linked to medical needs.The department said many facilities had satisfactory arrangements. However, inspections also found unhygienic conditions at some kitchens and food storage areas. In certain locations, drainage leakages, gaps in basic infrastructure and the need for stronger pest-control measures were recorded.FSDA has directed the concerned kitchens to address deficiencies within two weeks and said follow-up inspections will be conducted after 14 days. Where repairs or improvements cannot be completed in time, hospitals have been asked to ensure alternative arrangements without disrupting meal supply to patients, including temporarily shifting cooking to other suitable premises if required.
