Irregularities in school canteens: an alert from the NAS

The start of the new school year has brought to light a series of problems in Italian school cafeterias. The Carabinieri for Health Protection (Nas), through a campaign of controls, have detected irregularities in one cafeteria out of four. These results raise questions about the safety and quality of meals served to children, a crucial issue for the health of new generations.

Problems encountered in the canteens

The inspections conducted by the NAS have highlighted several hygienic-structural deficiencies, including:

• Presence of insects and rodent droppings
• Lack of necessary authorizations
• Meals inadequate in quantity and quality
• Lack of food traceability In particular, the lack of information on allergens represents a significant risk, especially for children who are considered more vulnerable. The reported irregularities not only compromise the health of students, but also raise concerns about the operating conditions of canteens.

Control context

The inspection campaign, launched by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the NAS, has already involved over 700 school canteens, including public and private ones. These inspections cover a broad educational spectrum, from nursery schools to high schools and universities. The aim is to ensure compliance with current regulations in the school catering sector.

Preliminary findings suggest the need for more rigorous intervention to ensure high standards in meal preparation and serving, which are essential for student well-being.

Future prospects

The future of school catering in Italy depends on the ability of institutions to address these issues promptly. Transparency in the management of canteens and the adoption of preventive measures will be crucial to improve food safety. Only through a joint commitment between health authorities and educational institutions will it be possible to guarantee that every child can receive healthy and safe meals during their educational journey.