Facility management - Canteen - Do we have to provide utensils like plates, spoons, and tumblers to those who bring in home food?

Hi, I have a query on canteen facility management. Do we have to provide utensils like plates, spoons, and tumblers for the associates who bring in home food and consume them in the company canteen facility? Kindly share your suggestions.

"Do we have to provide utensils like plates, spoons, and tumblers for the associates who bring in home food and consume it in the company canteen facility?

I don't see whether you are legally bound to do so, but consider it from an employee comfort point of view and provide these conveniences. The expenditure will be worth it."

If you are a factory employing more than 250 workers, you are required under the Factories Act to run a canteen with adequate equipment like utensils and crockery, etc. You may refer to your State rules in this regard.

If you are a commercial establishment intending to provide a canteen, I agree with Mr. Nathrao in saying that there is no use in providing four walls for dining without minimum facilities like spoons and utensils, etc. It sounds like an incomplete facility.

B. Saikumar HR & Lab. Law Advisor Navi Mumbai

Dear Praveen,

What is the percentage of employees who bring home food? It must be a small one. Why bother about providing the facility of a plate and spoon to the employees who bring home food? If this facility is not given, then what is the option? Should employees bring their own plate and spoon along with a tiffin carrier?

Why do we need to do everything provided it is compulsory? Providing a plate and spoon in the staff canteen is a too facility to be considered as a welfare measure!

Thanks,
*Dinesh Divekar*