Key Update

A joint food safety inspection led by the Health Department has uncovered multiple hygiene violations at hotels, wayside eateries, and food outlets in Kochi, leading to the closure of one establishment, the collection of drinking water samples from six outlets, and fines for two others.

The Health Department conducted the inspection on Monday in Kaloor and Kadavanthra as part of an intensified campaign to strengthen food hygiene and prevent the spread of communicable diseases. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Food Safety Department, Kochi Corporation’s Health Wing, and the City Police.

Officials Inspect Eight Food Establishments

During the evening drive, officials inspected eight food establishments. They collected drinking water samples from six outlets that failed to produce valid water quality test reports and sent the samples for laboratory analysis to verify their safety.

The inspection team ordered one eatery to shut down after identifying multiple violations, including the absence of mandatory health cards for food handlers, the presence of outdated and unfit food items, and the failure to produce a drinking water quality test report. Officials also fined two food establishments a total of ₹6,000 for hygiene-related violations detected during the inspection.

Health Department Steps Up Enforcement

Alongside the inspections, the Health Department displayed posters outlining mandatory hygiene and sanitation requirements to raise awareness among food business operators and promote compliance with food safety regulations.

District Medical Officer (Health) Dr Shahirsha said the department would continue similar inspections across Ernakulam district in the coming days. He warned that authorities would take strict action against food business operators who fail to comply with prescribed food safety and hygiene standards or handle food in ways that could contribute to the spread of communicable diseases. He also urged all food establishments to maintain high hygiene standards and ensure full compliance with food safety regulations.

Source: The New Indian Express