Authorities find poor-quality food supplied to Paikgachha primary schools; action recommended

Authorities have found evidence of low-quality food being supplied to several government primary schools in Paikgachha upazila of Khulna. A formal report has been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, recommending action against the supplier.

Under the government’s school feeding programme, mid-day meals are provided to 167 primary schools in the upazila to support children’s nutrition. The food is supplied by Osaka, a Pabna-based organisation appointed by the Department of Primary Education.

However teachers from multiple schools have widespread irregularities in both quality and supply. According to programme guidelines, students should receive items such as bread, boiled eggs, UHT milk, fortified biscuits and seasonal fruits. Teachers say fortified biscuits were never supplied, while fruit distribution was limited mostly to bananas—often unripe.

Repeated complaints also highlighted poor food quality. Local distributor Mahadi Hasan was informed verbally and later summoned to a coordination meeting of the Upazila Primary Education Department on April 11 where officials issued a strong warning.

Despite assurances concerns grew over potential health risks to students.

Acting Upazila Education Officer Sanjay Debnath confirmed that an report was submitted on April 22 through the Upazila Nirbahi Officer. The report found evidence of substandard food, including mouldy bread, rotten eggs with foul odour and unripe bananas.

Upazila administration executive officer Wasiuzzaman Chowdhury said the findings have been forwarded to higher authorities, who are expected to take necessary steps to ensure safe and nutritious food for students.

The incident has raised concerns about the implementation of the government’s nutrition programme and its effectiveness in addressing child malnutrition.