Key Update

As part of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Health Department in Iritty, Kannur, intensified inspections at hotels and other food establishments under the Healthy Kerala project. During checks conducted in Vallithode, Edoor, and Aralam, officials found multiple violations of hygiene norms and issued notices, imposing fines on erring establishments.

Stale Food Seized, COTPA Violations Penalised

Inspection teams seized and destroyed stale food items and meat stored in freezers at several shops. Officials also fined establishments that failed to install mandatory COTPA boards, citing violations of tobacco control regulations. The department directed food business operators to conduct drinking water tests compulsorily once every six months and ensure that all employees obtain valid health cards before working in food establishments.

Focus on Waste Management and Facility Hygiene

Inspectors instructed establishments to follow scientific waste management practices, hand over plastic waste to the Haritha Karma Sena, and clean drinking water storage tanks at regular intervals. They also mandated that establishments prominently display their trade licence, sanitary certificate, and drinking water test report for public viewing. The inspection drive covered bakeries, cool bars, fish and meat shops, and locations where migrant workers reside, expanding the scope of monitoring beyond conventional food outlets.

Action Under Kerala Public Health Act

Warning of strict enforcement, the Health Department said it would initiate action under the Kerala Public Health Act against establishments that continue to operate without maintaining proper hygiene standards. Officials said the inspection drive will continue in the coming days, with intensified monitoring to ensure strict compliance with hygiene and food safety norms across all establishments.

Source: Manoramaonline