Overview

Dining out has become routine for many new-generation families, driven by busy schedules and the appeal of restaurant food. However, health officials warn that contaminated and adulterated food poses serious health risks and, in extreme cases, can be fatal.

Recent Reports 

The Kerala Food Safety Commissionerate detected harmful chemical residues in food samples collected between April 2024 and March 2025. Tests revealed the presence of artificial colours, pesticides, preservatives, and other contaminants in several food products. Officials found that many items marketed as “fresh” or “pure” were unsafe. They discovered fish preserved with formalin and ammonia, pesticide-sprayed fruits and vegetables, blended and unlabelled coconut oils, synthetic milk, adulterated tea powder, and even drinking water containing plastic particles. District Food Safety Officers have begun statewide inspections and sealed several establishments that were non-compliant. Most hotel workers in Kerala are migrant labourers. Health authorities require all food handlers to hold valid health cards, and officials have initiated checks to ensure compliance.

Recommendations

The Health and Family Welfare Committee submitted a report to the government on October 8, outlining urgent steps to strengthen food safety enforcement:

• Upgrade testing facilities: Establish advanced laboratories and recruit skilled technicians to detect modern adulteration techniques.
• Strict enforcement: Take legal action against hotels and food outlets that employ workers without health cards.
• Coconut oil inspections: Conduct regular checks at mills producing unlabelled or adulterated coconut oil.
• School meal monitoring: Inspect all schools serving midday meals, with joint involvement from food safety, health, education, and local government officials.

Source: Mathrubhumi