Kerala Food Safety Department Intensifies Raids

In the wake of a nurse’s death from suspected food poisoning in Kottayam, the Kerala Food Safety Department raided and shut down 40 hotels on Tuesday. Officials fined 62 others and issued warnings to 28 establishments. The raids highlight the need for strict food safety controls, particularly during the holiday season when more people eat out.

The 33-year-old nurse, Reshmi Raj, had ordered an Arabian chicken dish, al faham, from Hotel Park in Kottayam on Thursday, December 29. She died on Monday.

At least 20 others who ate at the same hotel sought medical treatment at different hospitals. Following the incident, the Food Safety Department suspended the hotel’s licence and ordered its closure.

Health Minister Orders Statewide Inspections

In a statement, Health Minister Veena George directed the Food Safety Department to inspect eateries across Kerala and cancel the licences of establishments that serve adulterated or unhygienic food. The department will continue the inspections into the new year as reports of food poisoning remain a concern.

Recent Food Poisoning Cases Raise Concern

Several food poisoning incidents in December prompted the department to intensify inspections. Two weeks earlier, more than 100 people fell ill after consuming food at a baptism function in Pathanamthitta. In Kozhikode, around 21 people reportedly fell ill after eating food from an eatery. On December 24, a government doctor and 16 others also fell sick after consuming food from an eatery near Infopark in Ernakulam district.

Stronger Food Safety Enforcement Needed

These incidents underline the need for stronger enforcement of food safety laws. Food business operators must implement effective food safety management systems and maintain proper hygiene throughout food preparation, storage and service.

Greater accountability and diligence among food business operators can help prevent foodborne illness and protect consumers from avoidable tragedies.

Source: Manorama