Key Update

The Food Safety Department has intensified enforcement across Kerala’s Kollam district, inspecting 1,497 food business establishments over the past three months to improve compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

At a review meeting held at the District Collectorate on July 10, officials reported imposing ₹1,67,900 in fines on businesses found violating food safety regulations. The department also issued 223 statutory notices and ordered the immediate closure of 14 food establishments that failed to meet basic hygiene and safety requirements. Authorities collected 918 food samples from across the district for laboratory testing, while 42 cases involving serious violations are currently under prosecution.

Clean Kerala and seasonal inspections

As part of the ‘Clean Kerala’ campaign, food safety officials conducted 509 inspections and collected 103 food samples for laboratory analysis. Between March and May, the department carried out 443 inspections under ‘Operation Safe Summer’, issuing notices to 97 establishments for non-compliance. During the Ramzan season, special food safety squads inspected 149 food businesses and served 28 notices for hygiene and food safety violations.

Joint task forces monitor high-risk locations

The department also formed joint task forces with other government agencies to strengthen surveillance at high-risk locations. The teams inspected school kitchens, orphanages, old-age homes, tourist destinations, and areas around major places of worship designated as festival zones.

Probe ordered into sealed adulterated coconut oil unit

In a separate enforcement action, food safety officials directed the police to investigate a previously sealed private firm that was allegedly operating illegally. The unit had earlier been shut down for manufacturing adulterated coconut oil, but authorities reportedly found it functioning again despite the closure order.

Source: The Hindu