Food Manifest 
Key Update
Food safety officials in Srivilliputtur, near Madurai, seized 82 kilograms of rotten apples from a private fruit vendor’s godown on Friday and immediately destroyed the unsafe stock at the municipal yard to keep it out of the market.
Raid Exposes Unlicensed Outlets
Officials inspected five other shops run by the same vendor on Rajaji Salai near the bus stand. Their inquiry revealed that the vendor held an FSSAI licence for only two outlets and operated the remaining shops without the mandatory licence. Officials treated this as a clear violation and immediately ordered the unlicensed shops to halt sales.
Officials Warn of Strict Penalties
District Designated Officer S. Mariappan said the district administration had repeatedly issued public notices and conducted awareness campaigns through FSSAI to educate both vendors and consumers about licensing rules. He added that authorities would not accept claims of ignorance, and violators can face penalties of up to ₹10 lakh under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Officials reiterated that anyone selling or distributing food products must register on the official FSSAI portal and obtain a valid licence for the approved period.
Public Urged to Report Unsafe Food
The seized apples were found unfit for human consumption, highlighting the risks of poor food handling and unregulated sales. Consumers can report unsafe or substandard food items via the WhatsApp helpline: 9444042322. More information on consumer rights and penalties is available on the FSSAI portal.
Recent Action Against Unsafe Foods
Just a week earlier, FSSAI teams had raided eateries in Alagapuri and Sivakasi and destroyed large batches of stale chapatis. Officials assured the public that all complaints would be handled confidentially.
Source: The Hindu
