Overview

The Food Safety Department shut down 10 catering units in northern Kerala for violating food safety regulations. Over three days starting November 21, the department’s special task force inspected 186 catering units in Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kasaragod.

Addressing Complaints and Health Risks

Responding to rising complaints about unhygienic practices at event caterers and increased food poisoning cases, 28 inspection squads conducted detailed checks. Officials issued rectification notices to 40 establishments and improvement notices to six. They also fined 45 units for various violations and collected statutory samples from 24 units for laboratory analysis.

Key Compliance Checks Conducted

Inspectors reviewed key compliance areas, including licenses, food handlers’ medical fitness, water quality, pest control measures, hygiene practices, raw materials, and food transportation procedures. The Food Safety Wing continues to monitor catering units to ensure compliance and protect public health across the region.

Source: The Hindu