Report

Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced that the Food Safety Department has ramped up market inspections in preparation for the New Year. Food safety inspectors conducted comprehensive checks to ensure the quality of food products during the busy Christmas and New Year period. A total of 2,861 inspections took place across the state, led by 252 dedicated teams of inspectors.

Action Taken Against Non-Compliant Establishments

Inspectors identified 49 establishments that failed to meet food safety standards and shut them down immediately. Additionally, authorities issued rectification notices to 343 establishments that did not comply with the required safety measures, instructing them to make the necessary improvements. To further ensure food safety, inspectors collected 306 legal samples and 743 monitoring samples for laboratory analysis. Minister George emphasized that the inspections would continue focusing on maintaining stringent food safety standards, particularly during the high-demand holiday season.

Focus on Bakeries and High-Risk Food Products

The inspections targeted high-risk establishments, including bakeries, small businesses, and producers of cakes, wine, and other baked goods. Inspectors tested various raw materials used in cake manufacturing, alcoholic beverages, ice cream, sugar, and coconut oil to verify their safety and quality. Food safety officers also inspected fish wholesale centres and other marketing hubs for popular fish and meat products. The officers took samples from these centres to ensure the products met the required safety standards.

Leadership and Coordination of Inspections

Joint Commissioner of Food Safety Jacob Thomas and Deputy Commissioner S. Aji led the inspections, with coordination from the Food Safety Commissioner. Their leadership ensured that the inspections were thorough and effective in maintaining food safety standards across the state.

Source: The Times of India