2020, VOL. 6 ISSUE 3, PART H
Abstract:Background: Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) is the landmark scheme in the history of nutrition in India to combat malnutrition among children. ICDS scheme represents one of the largest programs for early childhood development to improve the conditions of children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Despite progress in the health sector, India has very high child morbidity and mortality rates. Million children in the world are at risk due to unsafe food. Safe food supply depends on both sound knowledge and stringent food laws. It is important for the AW kitchens to realize their shared responsibility to provide nutritious and safe food to the children.
Methods: An observational checklist was used to assess food safety and hygiene in 5 Anganwadi kitchens of North East district, Delhi. The tool is used to gather information regarding Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) currently in place at ICDS kitchens.
Results: The food safety score was found be average in 2 out of 5 anganwadi kitchens which implies that the food safety in these anganwadi kitchens is compromised in one or the other food safety parameters and it could also rise to food safety incidents in these anganwadis.
Conclusions: Effective food hygiene training and the enactment of safe food handling practices learnt during training are critical elements in the control of food-borne illnesses in the ICDS kitchens. The current findings indicate a need to review the effectiveness of current food safety management systems at place in various anganwadi kitchens and further stress on a food safety protocol that needs to be revised by the department periodically.