Food safety in schools and kindergartens: Salla says NFA to step up inspections during school year

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla announced that with the start of the new school year, the National Food Authority has intensified inspections of school, kindergarten and nursery canteens, as well as food businesses near educational institutions.

“Our focus is clear: to guarantee that the food our children consume is safe and that every food operator rigorously respects food safety requirements and standards,” Minister Salla said.

In the last week alone 75 inspections were carried out, and samples were also taken for laboratory analysis. In every case where deficiencies or violations were found, the respective measures were taken.

The minister stressed that inspections will not be limited to the start of school but will continue throughout the school year, with particular attention to businesses offering food to children.

Linking food safety to children’s well-being and development, Salla underlined that a better school is not only about what pupils learn in the classroom, but also about the environment they grow up in, the care they receive and the safety of the food they consume.

“Our message is clear: there is no compromise on our children’s food safety. The NFA will continue to be present in the field, to inspect and to take measures whenever standards are not respected,” the minister concluded.