The state control revealed shortcomings in the organization of school meals in the Vitebsk region

January 14, Vitebsk. The State Control Committee checked the organization of school meals in educational institutions of the Vitebsk region and identified shortcomings. Such information is posted on the website of the State Control Committee, BelTA informs.

The State Control Committee pays close attention to catering in schools and preschool institutions. Repeatedly the results of control measures were considered at meetings of the boards of the State Control Committee and regional committees of state control, based on their results, measures were developed to eliminate violations. The next monitoring in November - December 2021 was held in schools in the Vitebsk region. Their results showed that certain measures are being taken in the region to eliminate shortcomings in the organization of school meals, including improving the quality of nutrition. In particular, in 2021, more than Br2 million was allocated to strengthen the material and technical base of school food units, and about 1.1 thousand units of technological and refrigeration equipment were purchased.

At the same time, in the course of control measures in some schools in Vitebsk, Orsha and Liozno districts, shortcomings were identified. Thus, a low demand for prepared dishes by students was noted. At the time of the monitoring, there was a large amount of food on the tables in the dining halls, which was thrown into waste. For example, in one of the schools in Vitebsk, after breakfast, about half of the second courses (goulash and pasta) remained intact, in the Liozno school, the waste of cottage cheese casserole with sour cream amounted to 28%.

The facts of underdosing of portions were also revealed. For example, in one of the Vitebsk schools, the average portion underweight was 25.8%. Cases of surpluses and shortages of products were also found, indicating a reduced control over the completeness of the laying of raw materials. In one of the schools in the Orsha district, surplus foodstuffs weighing 22 kg were found in a warehouse. There is also a shortage of juices, MILK and sausages.

Recommendations were sent to educational institutions to restore order. A number of shortcomings were promptly eliminated: inventories were carried out in schools (the amounts of shortages were compensated by the guilty parties), worn-out equipment and utensils were withdrawn from circulation, equipment was replaced in some schools. After questioning the students, the assortment of dishes was changed taking into account their taste preferences.

The State Audit Office informed the main education department of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee about the identified problems. The monitoring results were considered at the meetings of the councils of the education departments of the Liozno and Orsha district executive committees and the administration of the Oktyabrsky district of Vitebsk. Nine heads and employees of educational institutions were brought to disciplinary responsibility.