Mom finds nail in school canteen lunch; complaint with Dubai Municipality, KHDA

A parent of a four-year-old school girl was terribly shocked when he found a nail in his child's unfinished school lunch box.

"Since she didn't finish the food she was served at the school canteen, her teacher sent the tiffin box home. When my wife opened it, she found a rusted nail stuck in the dosa batter," Jais John told Emirates24|7.

"She was shocked and immediately contacted the school," he added.

"Although she wasn't directed to the school principal, despite repeated requests, she spoke to the 'facility manager'."

The incident irked the parent, who was disappointed that the school - Springsdale Dubai - did not take immediate, and adequate action.

He has since filed a complaint with the Dubai Municipality Food Inspection department, which is carrying out an independent inspection, and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

"I was out of town when the incident happened, so when I returned I was 'allowed' to meet the principal only after repeated requests."

An apology was mailed to the parent. "There can be no lapse in the safety of our children," he added.

Springdale school brand manager Zubair Ahmad, told Emirates24|7 that "the safety of our children is critical for us".

He added that the school was quick to initiate action.

"Even we are shocked that this happened. We have spoken to the caterers, who have assured us that they are looking into the matter. Once they come back to us, we will have a clearer picture."

He added, "We have suspended the sale of some food products following this complaint. Salads, and other items that need to be assembled in the canteen will not be available for the children for now.

"Only lunch items like rice are still on the menu."

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