COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on a private contractor after a worm was found in food served to sanitation workers in the city.The action follows a complaint supported by video evidence submitted by sanitation workers in Ward 91, Podanur, last month. Workers were reportedly shocked after discovering a worm in the food distributed to them under the corporation’s breakfast scheme.The civic body provides breakfast to around 1,900 permanent and 4,650 contract sanitation workers in its 100 wards. Meals are prepared daily at three centralised kitchens and distributed across the city.Following the complaint, corporation officials conducted an inquiry and collected food samples for examination. Preliminary findings suggested that the contamination may have occurred due to negligence during the food preparation process.Officials said they suspect the worm could have accidentally fallen into the food from a nearby tree while cooking was under way at the Podanur facility.According to sources, based on the inquiry report, the corporation commissioner ordered a fine of ₹1 lakh on the contractor responsible for preparing and supplying the food. The contractor was also issued a warning and directed to strengthen hygiene and quality-control measures to prevent similar incidents in future.EOM
