- By Nidhi Giri
- Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kerala: In a major crackdown over putting out expired food to customers, the Food Safety Department has fined around 68 food outlets in 14 assembly constituencies of Kerala's Ernakulam district and ordered shutdown of six hotels following a two-day special drive. On the directions of health minister Veena George, ‘Operation Life’, a statewide inspection drive, was conducted on July 17 and 18. The drive aimed to ensure that no food safety rules were violated in hotels and food outlets and to warn and take action against those that failed to comply with the regulations.
Adharsh, the Food Safety Department's nodal officer in Ernakulam, informed that 14 squads inspected as many as 387 food outlets. Around 68 outlets were fined, and six were closed down. The department issued rectification notices to 93 outlets for improper cleanliness and hygiene, according to The New Indian Express report.
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The department also imposed fines totaling around Rs 1.8 lakh on errant outlets. During the inspection, officials discovered expired food items, spices, and milk being used in some hotels to prepare food. Adharsh added that other than stale food, especially al-faham, they seized stale chicken that was not frozen properly, spices without any labeling, 236 packets of expired milk, fresh cream, chutney, and grapes that could lead to food poisoning. He mentioned that 39 surveillance samples were sent for testing. Meanwhile, Veena encouraged employees of outlets engaged in cooking, distribution, and sale of food to obtain health cards.
Adharsh also mentioned that routine checks are being conducted as food poisoning cases have been reported in many parts, especially in Kakkanad and Thrikkakara, where more food outlets are operating, the report added.
