Key Update

The Food Safety Department has intensified inspections and awareness activities across Kozhikode district to ensure food safety during the Onam season.

Between July 27 and August 21, food safety officials conducted 862 inspections across the district. They issued notices to 220 establishments and directed 22 establishments to shut down. Officials also collected 491 food samples and submitted reports in seven cases for legal action.

As food production, distribution and sales increase during Onam, the Food Safety Department has urged food businesses, entrepreneurs and consumers to follow food-safety standards strictly.

Food Businesses and Entrepreneurs Must:

• Obtain a valid Food Safety Licence/Registration.
• Keep food preparation areas, premises, utensils and equipment clean.
• Ensure food handlers maintain personal hygiene and wear clean clothing and appropriate protective equipment.
• Store cooked food and raw food items separately.
• Store food at the appropriate temperature and avoid keeping cooked food at room temperature for long periods.
• Do not sell expired food or products whose quality you cannot verify.
• Do not add unauthorised colours or chemicals to food.
• Ensure the quality of drinking water and source food items, including ice, from safe sources.
• Obtain Temporary Food Safety Registration if you operate a temporary food stall. You can register through the FoSCoS portal.
• Use only food-grade plastic containers and aluminium containers to store packaged food.
• Do not use newspapers or printed paper to wrap food.
• Follow appropriate safety measures when packing cooked food, taking its temperature and moisture content into account.

Consumers Should:

• Buy food only from establishments that maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene.
• Check the establishment’s Food Safety Licence/Registration details.
• Check the manufacturing date, expiry date and other label information before buying packaged food.
• Avoid food that looks, smells or tastes unusual.
• Avoid eating cooked food that has remained outside for long periods.
• Pay particular attention to how meat, fish, dairy products and cream-based foods are stored.
• Store purchased food properly and consume it as soon as possible.
• Report establishments that use plastic materials unsuitable for food packaging.
• Report food-safety complaints and seek clarification through the toll-free number 1800-425-1125.

Source: Asianet News