Significant Update

As temperatures continue to rise, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has directed the Food Safety department to intensify inspections across the State. Since March 1, officials have inspected 3,641 establishments, focusing on drinking water sources, juice shops, and beverage manufacturing units. At the same time, the surge in demand for packaged drinking water and fresh juices during summer has prompted stricter monitoring.

Violations Detected, Samples Under Review

During these inspections, authorities identified multiple safety lapses and issued 291 rectification notices and 219 compounding notices. Meanwhile, officials collected 506 samples of juices and soft drinks, along with 118 samples of drinking and bottled water. In addition, they gathered 36 statutory samples, of which two failed to meet safety standards.

At the same time, officials have flagged contaminated ice as a major public health risk. They have linked several food poisoning cases reported during the summer to ice made from unsafe water. Therefore, the department has directed vendors to use only clean and safe water for ice preparation and beverage handling.

Continuous Monitoring Across Food Outlets

To strengthen enforcement, district-level squads led by Food Safety Assistant Commissioners are actively inspecting all types of food businesses—from roadside stalls to large establishments. Additionally, officials are closely monitoring high-risk items such as shawarma, which require strict hygiene and temperature control.

Authorities have instructed food businesses to store food and water in closed containers and ensure that packed food carries clear labels indicating the date and time of preparation, along with safe consumption timelines. At the same time, they have advised the public to stay hydrated while remaining cautious about the quality of water they consume.

Strict Action Against Unsafe Bottled Water

Finally, the department has stepped up vigilance on bottled drinking water sales to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards. The Minister has warned that authorities will take strict legal action against those selling counterfeit or unapproved bottled water, while also urging consumers to verify the quality of packaged drinking water before consumption.

Source: The Hindu