Key Update

The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has fined tea shops and bakeries in and around Gobichettipalayam, near Erode, Tamil Nadu, for food safety violations, including unhygienic milk handling, expired food products, and the use of banned plastic packaging. Acting on the directions of District Collector S. Kandasamy, a team led by G. Varalakshmi, District Designated Food Safety Officer, inspected several establishments in Gobichettipalayam and neighbouring areas last month.

Officials Fine Bakeries for Unhygienic Practices

During the inspections, officials found several violations at local bakeries. At an establishment in Azhukuli, they found staff heating milk on a boiler and storing it under unhygienic conditions. The team imposed a fine of ₹10,000 under Section 56 of the Food Safety and Standards Act. The inspections also uncovered violations at six other bakeries, where officials detected expired food products and banned plastic articles. They fined each establishment ₹10,000.

Tea Shops Face Fines and Registration Suspensions

Beyond the bakeries, inspections of tea shops in Othakuthirai, Bungalowpudur and T.N. Palayam revealed concerns about milk handling. Officials found some shops heating milk packets on boilers before using the milk to prepare tea. They fined two shops ₹10,000 each and temporarily suspended their food safety registrations.

Wider Inspections Uncover More Violations

These findings form part of a wider enforcement drive across Gobichettipalayam and its surrounding areas. Officials have inspected around 35 shops so far and found other unhygienic practices, including storing food in newspapers and packing tea in banned polythene bags. Authorities have fined nine shops a total of ₹1.25 lakh and issued notices for violations of food safety regulations.

Officials Urge Consumers to Report Violations

Meanwhile, G. Varalakshmi said inspections of tea shops and restaurants would continue across the district. District Collector S. Kandasamy also urged consumers to report suspected food safety violations by calling 0424-2223545 or 94440 42322, or by emailing unavupukar.fsda@tn.gov.in. Authorities will keep complainants’ identities confidential.

Source: The Hindu