Serious concerns have emerged over the quality of food served under the government’s Midday Meal Scheme in Karnataka’s Koppal district after worms were found in rice supplied to government schools. The latest incident was reported on Tuesday at a government school in Bisaralli village of Koppal taluk, where staff and students noticed worms in rice meant for cooking the midday meal.

This follows a similar episode reported earlier at a government school in Muddenahalli village of Kushtagi taluk, raising fears that the problem may not be an isolated one but part of a wider lapse in the supply chain.

Discovery Triggers Panic Among Parents

According to school staff, the contamination was noticed while washing the rice before cooking. Students also spotted worms crawling in the grains and immediately alerted teachers. The incident caused alarm among parents, many of whom fear that consuming contaminated food could seriously affect their children’s health and academic performance.

With over 2.8 lakh students in the district depending on the Midday Meal Scheme every day, parents say even a single lapse can have large-scale consequences.

Supply Chain Under Scrutiny

Officials explained that rice for the scheme is sourced from multiple godowns across the district, while pulses, oil and condiments are supplied by designated agencies. Preliminary assessments indicate that substandard rice and dal supplied by private contractors could be responsible for the contamination.

The recurring nature of the incidents has prompted questions about monitoring mechanisms, storage conditions and quality checks before foodgrains reach schools.

Demands for Immediate Action

Angered parents have demanded urgent inspections of foodgrains and cooked meals in all government schools across Koppal district. In some places, parents reportedly protested outside schools, calling for strict action against those responsible and stronger safeguards to prevent recurrence.

Authorities Assure Corrective Measures

District authorities have assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and a detailed report submitted to senior officials. Hanumanthappa Hatti, President of the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) in Ningapur, said that while isolated incidents may occur, efforts are being intensified to maintain hygiene and food quality. He added that officials have been instructed to take corrective measures and ensure such lapses do not happen again.

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