Key Update

Kerala’s Food Safety Department destroyed 568 litres of used cooking oil and 7,000 fried snacks during a statewide inspection drive under Operation Thelima 2.0. The operation also led to the suspension of licences of 32 establishments for violating food safety standards, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan announced.

On October 27, 56 inspection teams began inspections at 3 a.m. and checked 160 snack-making units across the state. Officials used specialised devices to assess cooking oil quality on-site and destroyed oil that failed to meet prescribed standards, along with fried snacks prepared under unhygienic conditions and stored for sale. The department recommended fines against approximately 80 establishments, issued 23 rectification notices and recommended further legal action in six cases.

Ernakulam Inspections Flag Hygiene Violations

As part of the statewide drive, five inspection squads examined 15 food establishments in Ernakulam, particularly units preparing fried snacks for distribution to shops. Officials recommended fines in eight cases, issued six rectification notices and initiated closure proceedings against two establishments.

The teams also destroyed approximately 30 kg of spoiled carrots intended for samosas and other snacks, along with fried food prepared under unhygienic conditions. Inspectors flagged improper food-handling practices, including using newspapers for food preparation and wrapping. They also collected three surveillance samples to assess the quality of used cooking oil. The inspections covered Chalikappavattom, Ponnurunni, Palarivattom–Karukappilly, Ernakulam Market, Pallimukku and Aluva.

When Does Cooking Oil Become Unsafe to Reuse?

Repeated heating and prolonged use degrade cooking oil and can increase the formation of potentially harmful compounds. Under FSSAI regulations, cooking oil with Total Polar Compounds (TPC) levels of 25% or higher must not be used for frying. Food businesses must monitor oil quality regularly and dispose of used cooking oil in accordance with prescribed regulations. Reusing degraded oil can compromise food quality and pose health risks to consumers.

What Is Operation Thelima 2.0?

Operation Thelima 2.0 is the second phase of the Kerala Food Safety Department’s inspection drive, following the first phase of inspections at shops and snack-making units across the state. The department aims to improve compliance with food safety standards through inspections and enforcement action against establishments that violate regulations.

Source: The Times of India 

Mathrubhumi