Centre wants 'hand-washing' in school time-table - All elementary schools in the country covered under Midday Meal (MDM) scheme will henceforth have to allocate "enough" time for "hand-washing" to ensure that all students and teachers get adequate time to wash their hands "with soap" before having food. The new set of guidelines on food safety and hygiene issued by the Ministry of human resources and development (MHRD) also stipulates that the temperature of the mid-day meal, while being served, should be maintained at 65°C. Only 'double-fortified salt' and packed dals, salt, spices, condiments and oil with AGMARK stamp can be used to prepare midday meals at clean and hygienic kitchen. And food must be free from adulteration, contaminants, pest and infestation.
