Key Update

As temperatures rise, the demand for sherbet, sugarcane juice, carbonated drinks, buttermilk, and fruit juices has increased sharply. In response, Food Safety officials in Virudhunagar near Madurai have directed traders to strictly maintain the quality of water used in preparing these beverages. Virudhunagar Collector N.O. Sukhaputra has instructed all vendors to prepare and sell drinks, including porridge, under hygienic and protected conditions. Anticipating a surge in seasonal vendors, he has made it mandatory for new traders to register with the Food Safety Department or obtain a valid food safety license.

Water Quality and Storage Standards

The administration has emphasised that traders must test water quality through TWAD Board laboratories or NABL-recognised labs and keep valid reports available. Vendors must maintain proper storage temperatures, and ready-to-serve drinks like sugarcane juice should not be stored beyond 2.5 hours. Traders must protect beverages from flies and use only food-grade ice without artificial colours. They should use fresh, good-quality fruits and strictly avoid spoiled or rotten produce. Workers handling food must follow proper hygiene practices. They should wear gloves and carry valid medical certificates confirming they are free from infectious diseases.

Handling and Equipment Maintenance

Fresh palm juice (pathaneer) should be sold within seven hours of extraction. Vendors must store fruits under refrigeration to preserve quality. They should also ensure that equipment such as mixers remains clean, well-maintained, and rust-free.

The Collector has urged consumers to check the quality of drinks before purchase and verify manufacturing and expiry dates on packaged beverages. For complaints related to poor quality or unhygienic conditions, consumers can contact the Food Safety Department via WhatsApp at 94440-42322.

Source: The Hindu