Soda, energy drinks and expired products: what inspections revealed in school canteens of Gönyeli-Alayköy

The Gönyeli-Alayköy Municipality carried out a series of unplanned inspections in school canteens with a focus on hygiene, food safety, and compliance of the assortment with healthy nutrition standards. According to the Municipal Health Service, inspectors examined premises, equipment, and storage areas, checked expiration dates and labeling of products, took water samples from school reservoirs, and reviewed employees’ medical records. As a result of the raids, some violations were confirmed on the spot, and operators were issued orders requiring prompt correction.

The key outcome of the inspections was a ban on the sale of products unsuitable for children’s nutrition. The municipality specifically emphasized that energy drinks, soda, and a range of unhealthy products (snacks) are not allowed for sale in school canteens. Inspectors also pointed out the need to expand the “green list” — offering children healthier alternatives. Legal measures are provided for non-compliance.

A separate focus was on water supply: inspectors examined and collected samples from school water reservoirs/filtration systems to confirm compliance with sanitary standards. In several places, organizational shortcomings were identified (incomplete logbooks, irregular maintenance), for which written warnings were issued. The municipality stated that control of water systems and sanitary practices will be regular and repeated — with subsequent monitoring of corrections.

According to the municipality, the inspections covered primary schools and kindergartens within the territory of Gönyeli-Alayköy. However, the official release does not provide the names of specific institutions; it is only reported that the raids took place in schools within the municipality’s administrative boundaries.

Municipal authorities reminded canteen operators of the basic requirements: maintaining cleanliness of premises and equipment, strict control of expiration dates and storage conditions, ensuring staff have valid medical records, and compliance with the list of foods permitted for sale in educational institutions. Follow-up inspections are planned in the coming weeks, about which the municipality promised to provide additional information.

> Note: Gönyeli-Alayköy canteen control initiatives are regular and have been carried out repeatedly in the past; their aim is to reduce health risks for children and raise food safety standards in schools.