Food Manifest 
Key Update
Food-safety enforcement has intensified across Kochi and Ernakulam, with authorities taking action against food businesses for hygiene and safety violations. In two separate incidents, a bakery in Edakochi faced a ₹25,000 fine and closure, while six outlets in Kadavanthra were fined a combined ₹6,500.
Edakochi Bakery Fined After Dead Lizard Found in Bread
Kochi Corporation’s Health wing fined a bakery at Pambaimoola, Edakochi, ₹25,000 after a consumer reportedly found a dead lizard inside bread purchased from the outlet. According to officials, the consumer developed health problems after consuming the bread and raised the issue with the bakery owner. After the owner allegedly failed to address the complaint, the consumer approached the corporation.
Officials subsequently inspected the bakery and found hygiene violations. Authorities ordered the establishment to shut down and imposed the fine.
Kadavanthra Drive Finds Banned Colouring, Stale Milk
In a separate food-safety drive, officials inspected six shops in Kadavanthra and imposed fines totalling ₹6,500 after detecting several violations.
The joint inspection involved the Kochi Corporation’s Health division, Food Safety wing, Health Department and police. Officials found the use of banned food colouring and stale milk, while some outlets lacked health cards for food handlers and drinking-water test reports. Authorities collected drinking-water samples from all six establishments and sent them for laboratory testing.
The enforcement drive comes ahead of the Onam season, when increased food sales and dining activity can place additional pressure on food businesses to maintain hygiene and safe handling practices. Authorities said they would intensify inspections of hotels, roadside eateries and food stalls during the season.
Source: The Hindu
