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FREE MILK IS HEALTH RISK WITH TEMPERATURE CHANGE - REWA life milk doesn't have the six month shelf life; not all schools have coolers!

24/3/2015

13 Comments

 
PictureBainimarama and Mahendra Reddy distribute free milk and Weetbix at Nakelo District School in Tailevu
Concerns are still being raised regarding the free milk program that was launched by government earlier this week.

Speaking to FBC News, Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary Agni Deo Singh says they’re still concerned with the distribution and storage of milk in schools.

“The rural and maritime schools where there might not be facilities for storage in terms of temperatures it requires to be kept at, our country is a very warm country. We’ll have to be careful about preserving it.”

Fijian Teachers Association President Gauna Halofaki says their main concern is the preservation of milk and its supply to schools in outer districts.

“It’s a geographical set up of Fiji we have so many rural schools and Fiji is scattered so much it’s the sending of the milk and the preservation and those are the things we need to think of.”

Fiji Muslim League President Hafizud Dean Khan says they have not received any response yet from their primary schools in regard to storing their milk supply.

In a statement, a faith- based organization, the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, says the program is a first in Fiji’s post independence history.

Sabha President Kamlesh Arya said they are conscious that many primary schools, have attached kindergartens where younger students need similar attention.

The initiative, laudable as it is, is somewhat discriminatory in a sense the youngest stand by watching and waiting but are not included in the program.

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry’s Director for Primary Education Kolinio Takali says they have visited all education districts last month to brief them on how to store and document the milk supply.

“In some schools in some areas where truck or carriers cannot reach the school we have drop off points then they’re grouped in clusters, then one is tasked to arrange for transport from the drop off points off that cluster to each schools.”

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama had said the 250 ml packets have a shelf life of six months.

Free milk for the youngsters will benefit the growth and nutrition of students. Source: FBC News


13 Comments
Chiku
24/3/2015 04:58:12 pm

Together with the many other free things they have given themselves and their cronies the Bainimarama - Khaiyum regime should give themselves and their adult lackeys some free milk as well for their intellectual growth and development!

Reply
milkee
24/3/2015 06:55:11 pm

Hahaha good one.

Reply
Pastorised Milk
24/3/2015 06:25:46 pm

Normally Pastorised Milk can be stored upto a month in the fridge,weetbix is normally served with cool milk.

While the initiative is a good one,the authorities should take all precautions to protect the most vulnerable. Theschools should also invest in small kitchenets so bowls are washed and stored properly in sealed cupboards.

Reply
Goiod thoughts but impractical practice
24/3/2015 06:35:29 pm

Add pregnant mothers, breast feeding mothers and infants up to 3 years to the program to be provided with full cream fresh milk and colostrum milk powder vouchers.

These will definately help reduce development of diabetes later in life, immune system enhancer and add to intelligence for future growth of child.

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Canada Boy
24/3/2015 06:56:09 pm

Welcome to communism where the state supplies all the needs
Why not grow the economy so that people have middle class income and decent jobs and are proud of their hard work in earning a good living instead of living ion government hand outs and compromising their dignity
Government must be the facilitator to encourage investmentmd and grow the economy and not be sa state sponsor of hand outs

Reply
So
24/3/2015 08:27:50 pm

The Dear Leader charade on display with the typical fanfare and salusalu garlands for the " benevolent" dictator and his crony minister.

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Keep The Faith link
25/3/2015 01:11:19 am

Some schools are refusing the milk unless the Ministry or milk supplier also provides a cooling storage facility.

In addition some PTA bodies are insisting that parents must first grant permission for their children to receive the free milk in the event that there are health reasons why their children are unable to ingest the free milk.

All in all, it is once again a proud display of an ill thought out policy meant simply to profile Bainimarama's magnanimity but failing badly. And again we have a repeat performance of Mahendra Reddy's ineptitude and idiocy. What does one really expect from an Agricultural Economist pretending to know something about national education.

Reply
chota don
25/3/2015 01:12:48 am

who benefits more from the free bees. its the supplier C J Patel. its a give back for funding the election and not looking after health of the children. what price are they paying for milk and weetbix both supplied by the same supplier. they should stop fooling people

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Milk and Milking
25/3/2015 02:00:25 am

Can the government tell the taxpayers how they will monitor and audit the delivery of milk and weetbix.

We are sick of freebies resulting in abuse such as the NBF and agricultural scams; and teachers looking healthier.

The taxpayers don't want to be milked from a hot on the heal Milk scandal,thank you very much.

Opposition please take note and raise these issues in the House.

Reply
Nadro Man link
25/3/2015 04:28:35 am

It have been better to provide Fiji Water in all Schools rather than Free Milk for Class 1 Children.Is it really free?Remember boys and girls someone is paying for it,could be Dad or you through Taxation.

Reply
Consumer Council /OHS
25/3/2015 04:53:34 am

Can Premila Kumar please check if the taxpayers are getting value for money in the milk and weetbix supply to students.

Does the delivery of goods have use by dates stipulated. and are quality assurance adhered to?

Please let the public know.

Can the Dept of OHS please inspect all schools for its cold storage facilities and dish washing facilities and issue them with certificate of compliance.

Reply
Health Check
25/3/2015 05:04:00 am

Some students may be susceptible to dairy allergies, we just hope there was enough consultation on this between schools and parents.

Reply
Use Taxpayers Money Wisely
25/3/2015 05:48:51 pm

The Government needs to think these things thru before launching the programs. Right now it is trial and error and the errors are costing the taxpayers. Spoilt milk is a waste of resources. Can the Minister responsible please get his act together. Did the Ministry not look at the shelf life and health implications before they started this program. Seriously, what are these people doing? So many blunders and when the public highlights the issues, the Minister comes out all defensive. How about graciously accepting the suggestions and fixing it?

Reply

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