On Sunday, the Thrikkakara municipality launches the “Thrikkakara Consumers Protection Forum” app, aimed at addressing food safety concerns. G R Anil, the minister of food and civil supplies, will introduce the app, which seeks to ensure that customers can access high-quality food items within the municipality’s boundaries. This initiative comes in response to a significant increase in the sale of expired food in various areas and the tragic October death of a 24-year-old man in Kochi due to food poisoning.

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“We have been exploring alternatives, as conducting weekly inspections at restaurants is not feasible. Through the app, consumers can raise tickets, and they will receive assistance from municipality health department officials,” said Unni Kakkanad, chairman of the municipality’s health standing committee.

The app, developed by an IT company in Thrissur, will initially be available on the Google Play Store for Android users, with plans to expand to iPhone users later. Customers will have the option to submit complaints and reviews regarding the quality of food and food items served in hospitals, restaurants, retail stores, fish markets, and other establishments. Officials from the police department, food safety department, legal metrology agency, and municipality will be part of the app’s administration panel.

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Unni further stated that the app will be regularly assessed and updated based on user feedback. Additionally, modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning will be employed to analyse user needs and identify main points.

source: The Times of India