Key Development In a significant move to tackle environmental pollution and protect public health, the Kerala government is launching a bottle buyback scheme for liquor bottles sold through Bevco outlets. This deposit-return initiative, aimed at promoting cleaner surroundings and safer food environments, will roll out as a pilot project in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur this September.
READ MOREWhy the Suspicion? Coconut oil prices have skyrocketed, prompting the Kerala Food Safety Department to suspect sellers of mixing palm kernel oil to boost profits. This oil, derived from palm seeds, costs about ₹150 per litre on average. Officials noted a sharp rise in its sales in recent weeks, raising concerns about adulteration. Detecting such
READ MOREOverview A food safety scare erupted at Chendamangalam Government LP School near Kochi in Kerala after staff served rice suspected to be stale during Tuesday’s midday meal. Several children developed stomach discomfort and went to hospitals for treatment. Parents inspected the school’s rice stock on Wednesday and discovered insects and maggots in the stored sacks.
READ MOREOverview On any busy Friday evening in Kerala, it is easy to see how dramatically young people’s eating habits have shifted. Fast-food outlets overflow with crowds, cafés buzz with selfies and social chatter, and delivery bikes race through traffic carrying steaming parcels. This speed-driven food culture, while convenient and visually appealing, poses serious concerns for
READ MOREOverview The Food Safety Department is intensifying efforts to prevent the reuse of cooking oil. Over the past three years, it has significantly increased the collection of used oil from hotels and eateries across Kerala. In the 2022–23 financial year alone, officials collected 419,561 litres. This number more than doubled in 2023–24, reaching 960,605 litres.
READ MOREReport On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court issued strict orders to ban the use and sale of single-use plastics across the state. The ban covers plastic food containers, plates, cups, straws, sachets, and bakery boxes, especially in hilly tourist areas with large crowds. However, the court allowed the use of soft drink bottles of 5
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