Noting that canteens and messes in educational institutions are not licensed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked varsities and colleges to ensure that rules in this regard are complied with.
Food Safety in College canteen

In a letter to Vice Chancellor of Universities UGC Secretary Jaspal S Sandhu said “ “You are requested to kindly ensure the implementation of the FSS Act, 2006 in food establishments of your esteemed university and in all the affiliated colleges,”

Universities have also been asked to conduct training for food handlers in the college canteens in association with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India on the importance of serving safe and wholesome food to students in colleges.

 The Food Safety and Standards Act provides the framework for regulating manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of food items so as to ensure its safety.

“…the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 stipulates that no person shall commence any food business unless he possesses a valid licence,” the senior UGC official said in his letter.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) would also organise training of food handlers working in food establishments of the educational institutions to provide safe and wholesome food to the students, Sandhu said.

Source : Times Of India