Schools are places where children spend much of their day and where the foundations of physical and mental development are built. The meals consumed here are critical for health, nutrition, and disease prevention. Access to safe food directly affects students’ ability to learn.
In this context, Türkiye’s Ministry of National Education, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry have established mandatory hygiene and inspection mechanisms under Circular No. 2020/8 and its annex, the Inspection Implementation Guide, which sets standards for school canteens and cafeterias.
Inspections and Regulations: How the System Works
Inspection Process: Each school forms a committee (consisting of the principal or vice-principal, members of the Occupational Health and Safety Board, and a parent representative) to carry out monthly inspections. These inspections are documented using the official forms included in the annex.
Legal Framework: The 2013 “Special Hygiene Rules for School Canteens Regulation” sets clear requirements for product restrictions, staff hygiene, and infrastructure standards.
“School Food” Approval for Packaged Products: According to Communiqué No. 2020/23, packaged products sold in schools must carry the “School Food Approval” and display the official logo.
Safe Food Supply Chain: Procurement, Labeling, and Storage
- Trusted Suppliers: Canteen and cafeteria operators must work with licensed and registered suppliers; all products should have the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
- Label Checks: For packaged foods, operators must check expiry dates, ensure clear and accurate labeling, and confirm correct logo usage. Proper storage conditions must be maintained to protect the cold chain.
- Well-Trained Staff: All canteen workers must hold a hygiene training certificate issued jointly by the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, and National Education.
Awareness, Education, and Combating Food Waste
- Student Education Programs: In collaboration with the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, students are educated on food safety, hygiene, food waste, and food loss, and introduced to the Alo 174 Food Hotline.
- Seminars and Presentations: Expert food engineers deliver school seminars covering topics such as safe food, proper storage conditions, water usage, and balanced nutrition.
Brief Section: Recommendations for Pesticide Monitoring
Although pesticide monitoring is not usually covered directly by school food safety regulations, the following practices can add value to canteens, cafeterias, or educational programs:
- Seasonal and Local Sourcing: Working with local producers can reduce the risk of pesticide residues.
- Use of Rapid Test Kits: Canteen or kitchen supervisors can perform random residue checks on critical products using simple pesticide test kits.
- Information and Label Awareness: Teach students basic skills such as how to identify potential harmful residues on labels.
Conclusion
Ensuring food safety in schools should involve more than simply complying with regulations; it must also include awareness and education. When the supply chain, label reading, hygiene, and inspection systems function effectively, students can enjoy meals that are both healthy and safe. Pesticide monitoring, while optional, can be a valuable complement, especially in raising environmental and health awareness.
References
- Ministry of National Education – School Canteen Inspection Implementation Guide (2020): merkezisgb.meb.gov.tr
- KTMMOB – Food Safety and Hygiene in Schools: The Foundation of Healthy Generations: ktmmob.org
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry – School Food Program: tarimorman.gov.tr
- Chamber of Food Engineers – Hygiene, Food Safety, and Nutrition in School Canteens (2024): gidamo.org.tr
- Bayburt Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry – Food Safety, Food Loss and Waste Education in Schools: bayburt.tarimorman.gov.tr
- Saruhanlı District Directorate of National Education – Food Safety, Food Loss and Waste Education in Schools: saruhanli.meb.gov.tr
