Nas inspections in school canteens: out of 700 irregularities 170
Hygienic and structural deficiencies were found, such as the presence of insects and rodent droppings. But also lack of authorisations, deficient meals in terms of quantity and quality, lack of traceability of food, and omission of allergens
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One in four school canteens is irregular: hygienic-structural deficiencies, such as the presence of insects and rodent droppings. But also lack of authorisations, meals lacking in quantity and quality, absence of food traceability and omission of any allergens, essential to prevent possible allergic reactions, especially in children as they are more fragile. The irregularities were found by the Nas carabinieri. With the start of the new school year, in fact, the Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Health - in agreement with the Ministry of Health - has launched a nationwide campaign of checks to verify compliance with the requirements of the regulations in the catering sector within schools. Controls that will continue throughout the school year.
Of 700 canteens checked, 170 were irregular
.To date, more than 700 school canteens of all levels, both public and private, from kindergartens to colleges and universities, have been inspected. In almost 1 out of 4 canteens (around 170) irregularities were found which, in the majority of cases, concerned hygienic-structural deficiencies (widespread dampness, mould, the presence of insects and rodent droppings) and authorisation, non-responsiveness in terms of quality/quantity to the requirements set out in the tender specifications, the lack of food traceability and the omission of any allergens, the latter being essential to prevent possible allergic reactions, especially in children as they are more fragile subjects.
Expired or irregular foodstuffs seized to the value of EUR 5 million
a total of 225 administrative or criminal violations were ascertained and fines of 130 thousand euro were imposed. In the most serious cases, 5 operators were referred to the judicial authorities and 350 kilos of foodstuffs in a poor state of preservation, lacking traceability, expired or with irregular labelling were seized, with an approximate value of EUR 5 million.
An educational centre for children seized in Treviso
The Nas of Treviso ascertained at a children's education centre the lack of authorisation to run school meals and the omission of health registration. The entire facility, which managed children aged between 2 and 6 years, was placed under administrative seizure.
The canteen activities of a kindergarten in Pescara are suspended
.In a nursery school in Pescara, the immediate suspension of all food handling and serving activities was ordered following the ascertained hygienic and structural deficiencies of the premises, as well as the lack of authorisation to operate the canteen.
