Key Update

Multiplexes across Kerala are facing action after joint inspections uncovered food safety, hygiene, quantity and regulatory violations, following complaints about overpriced food and beverages. The Food Safety, Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs departments inspected outlets across several districts to check food hygiene, product quality, declared quantities, prices, and licensing compliance.

25 Violations Found During 35 Inspections

Officials have conducted 35 inspections so far and registered 25 cases. The Legal Metrology Department registered 15 cases, while the Consumer Affairs Department and Food Department registered four cases each. The Food Safety Department registered two cases. Officials found quantity discrepancies, poor food quality, improper price declarations and licensing lapses during the inspections.

Hair and Flies Found in Ice Cream

Inspections at two major multiplexes in Kollam uncovered serious food hygiene concerns. At one multiplex, Food Safety officials found open ice cream containers contaminated with dust, hair and flies. Officials also found expired milk, while expired and non-expired products were stored together. Leaving ready-to-eat food uncovered inside a freezer can expose it to contamination, including falling condensation and other contaminants.

Improper Food Storage Raises Cross-Contamination Risk

Inspectors found vegetarian and non-vegetarian food stored together in the same freezers without adequate separation. Such practices can increase the risk of cross-contamination if food is not properly covered, segregated and handled. Officials also found one food counter operating without the required Food Safety licence. They shut down the establishment and registered a case. Officials issued a notice to the operator as part of proceedings to impose a penalty.

Popcorn Short by Up to 25 Grams

The inspections also revealed discrepancies between declared and actual quantities. Popcorn sold as 75 grams was reportedly found to be short by up to 25 grams. Officials also detected shortages in soft drinks, resulting in further cases under Legal Metrology provisions. The department has so far collected ₹62,000 in fines.

Food Prices and Quantity Declarations Under Scrutiny

The inspections followed complaints that multiplexes were charging customers high prices for food and beverages and, in some cases, failing to provide the quantities displayed or declared. Multiplexes can set their own prices for food and beverages sold within their premises. However, packaged products must comply with applicable MRP and quantity requirements, while the quantity and price of unpackaged food must match what the outlet displays.

Officials also registered cases for not mentioning popcorn weight on bills and for selling products as “large,” “medium” or “small” without declaring the actual quantity.

Inspections to Continue Across Kerala

Authorities have directed multiplexes to provide adequate drinking water for customers. The inspections, which began last week, will continue across Kerala. Officials have warned that establishments that repeat violations despite receiving improvement notices will face further cases and legal action.

Food Safety Comes First

The findings reinforce the need for multiplex food outlets to maintain proper hygiene, store food safely, separate food items, and hold valid licences. They must also ensure that customers receive the quantities they pay for. For consumers, the message is simple: premium pricing and presentation should never come at the cost of food safety.

Source: The Hindu 

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