Key Update 

Erode District Collector S. Kandasamy has directed Food Safety Department officials to conduct regular inspections of hotels and bakeries to ensure the quality of food served to the public. He issued the directive while chairing a district-level food safety consultative meeting at the Erode Collectorate on Thursday (January 29, 2026). The Food Safety Department organised the meeting in coordination with officials from both government and private sectors.

Mandatory Licensing and Training Emphasised

Addressing the gathering, the Collector stressed that all food business operators must obtain mandatory licences or registrations from the Food Safety Department. He also insisted that food handlers complete the prescribed food safety training before commencing operations. The Collector highlighted the need to maintain hygiene at roadside food stalls and improve the quality and sanitation of food served in school and college hostels and hospitals. He directed officials to take strict action against the sale of tobacco products banned by the State government.

Strict Action on Reused Cooking Oil

The Collector further instructed hotels and bakeries to strictly avoid reusing cooking oil and ensure that used oil is sent for recycling to produce biodiesel. G. Varalakshmi, Designated Food Safety Officer; M. Vivekanandan, Additional Superintendent of Police; officials from various departments; and representatives of the District Hotel Owners Association, District Traders Association, and Consumer Association attended the meeting.

Source: The Hindu