Several schools in Gurgaon have temporarily suspended their cafeteria services and asked parents to send meals from home after concerns were raised about food safety compliance in school canteens.
School administrations say the move is precautionary and meant to ensure that students receive safe and hygienic food during school hours while cafeteria operations and vendor practices undergo review.
For the time being, students who usually purchase meals or snacks on campus will need to carry packed food from home until schools complete their inspections and verify that food suppliers meet required standards.
Parents across several Gurgaon schools received messages from school administrations informing them that cafeteria services would remain closed until further notice.
Students have been asked to bring lunch and snacks from home during the school day. Schools have also suggested sending meals that remain fresh for several hours, especially for younger children who spend long hours on campus.
Many parents who relied on school meal services are now adjusting their routines to prepare daily lunch boxes again.
School authorities said the temporary closure is linked to concerns about hygiene compliance and vendor standards at some cafeterias.
To address these issues, schools are reviewing food preparation and supply practices before allowing canteens to reopen. The review process may include:
• Inspecting kitchen cleanliness and food storage conditions
• Verifying licenses and certifications of cafeteria vendors
• Reviewing food handling and preparation procedures
• Ensuring suppliers follow required safety standards
Administrations say cafeteria services will resume only after these checks are completed.
School canteens in India are expected to follow strict hygiene and food handling standards designed to protect children from foodborne illnesses.
Basic requirements include:
• Clean and sanitized kitchen areas
• Proper storage of perishable foods
• Access to safe drinking water
• Use of fresh ingredients and safe cooking oils
• Clean utensils and cooking surfaces
• Staff trained in hygiene practices
Schools are responsible for ensuring that vendors operating cafeterias comply with these safety measures.
School cafeterias are also expected to follow guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which regulates food safety across the country.
Key recommendations include:
Healthy food environment
Schools are encouraged to prioritize nutritious meals and limit the sale of junk food, sugary beverages and deep-fried snacks.
Licensed food vendors
Cafeteria operators must hold valid FSSAI licenses and follow approved food safety practices.
Hygienic food preparation
Vendors must maintain clean cooking areas and safe storage conditions for ingredients and prepared meals.
Periodic monitoring
Schools are advised to regularly review cafeteria vendors and ensure that hygiene standards are maintained.
These guidelines aim to ensure that meals served in schools support both student health and food safety.
With cafeteria services temporarily unavailable, many parents are preparing school lunch boxes again. Experts recommend packing meals that remain fresh for several hours and provide balanced nutrition.
Some practical options include:
Home-cooked Indian meals
Roti with vegetables or paneer, vegetable pulao, lemon rice or stuffed parathas.
Quick lunch combinations
Vegetable sandwiches, paneer wraps or idli with chutney.
Protein-rich foods
Boiled eggs, paneer cubes, sprouts salad or chickpea salad.
Healthy snacks
Fresh fruits, nuts, roasted chana or homemade energy laddoos.
Hydration options
Water bottles or drinks such as buttermilk or lemon water carried in insulated containers.
Using insulated lunch boxes can help keep food fresh until lunchtime.
The sudden closure of school cafeterias has required families to adjust their daily routines. For many parents, preparing lunch boxes again means planning meals early in the morning.
Teachers may also need to supervise lunch breaks more closely, particularly for younger students who may need help opening containers or finishing meals.
While the change may be inconvenient for some families, schools say the measure is necessary to ensure that food served to students meets hygiene and safety requirements.
School administrations say cafeteria services will reopen only after food vendors and kitchen facilities meet required compliance standards.
Until then, parents are advised to continue sending packed meals with their children to ensure they have safe and nutritious food during the school day.
Some schools temporarily shut down cafeterias after concerns were raised about food hygiene and vendor compliance. The closure allows schools to review food preparation practices and ensure that vendors meet safety standards.
No. The decision has been taken by individual schools rather than through a citywide order. Some institutions have closed cafeterias while they conduct safety reviews.
School cafeterias must maintain hygienic kitchens, safe food storage practices, clean cooking equipment and properly trained staff. Vendors must also follow food safety regulations and hold valid licenses.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sets national food safety guidelines. Schools and cafeteria vendors are expected to follow these standards to ensure safe and nutritious food for students.
Parents are encouraged to send balanced meals such as roti with vegetables, rice dishes, sandwiches, fruits, protein snacks and plenty of water so children remain energized during the school day.
Schools have not announced a specific reopening date. Cafeterias are expected to resume services once food vendors and kitchen facilities pass hygiene and safety checks.
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