Key Development

Ahead of the Attukal Pongala festival on March 3, the Food Safety Department has issued strict guidelines to ensure hygienic and safe food practices during the celebrations.

Mandatory Compliance for Food Businesses

The department has directed all food establishments operating in conjunction with the festival to strictly adhere to food safety standards. Operators must prominently display a valid food safety licence or registration certificate at their premises.

During inspections, officials will verify:

• Medical fitness certificates of all employees
• Water quality test reports for water used in cooking or food preparation

Food business operators must ensure that food handlers do not have communicable diseases. They must select only food products that clearly display proper labelling information. They must also ensure that vendors prepare ice used in beverages such as sarbath, lemon juice, and watermelon drinks using potable water.

To strengthen compliance, the department will conduct a mandatory awareness session on the 19th for food business operators and cooking staff within the festival zone. All operators must attend the session. Food entrepreneurs must register in advance by sending their name, phone number, and food safety registration number to fsonemomcircle@gmail.com.

Ban on Plastic and Registration for Free Food Distribution

The Corporation has banned the use of plastic products for distributing food and drinking water during the festival. Authorities will impose fines on those who violate this directive. Institutions, organisations, and individuals planning to distribute free meals (annadanam), snacks, soft drinks, or drinking water must complete a prior registration. Applicants must register through Akshaya centres, submit address proof of the responsible person, and pay the prescribed fee online. The department encourages the public to report food safety concerns by calling the toll-free helpline: 1800 425 1126.

Source: The Times of India 

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