Key Update

As temperatures hover around 40°C, juice stalls near the Chathiram bus stand in Tiruchirappalli, or Tiruchy, see heavy demand in the afternoon. At outlets in Gandhi Market, Cantonment, and Puthur, vendors handle ice in unhygienic conditions—storing it in open sacks, breaking it by hand, and adding it directly to drinks. Many also reuse glasses after rinsing them in buckets of water.

Unsafe Practices across the City

Similar practices are seen in Thillai Nagar, Woraiyur, and near the Central bus stand. Several seasonal and permanent stalls follow the same methods during peak hours. Many outlets do not display valid FSSAI licences as required under food safety norms. Some vendors also use thin plastic covers for takeaway juices, raising concerns over non-food-grade packaging.

Issues in Ice Storage and Sourcing

FSSAI guidelines require safe sourcing of ice and storage in clean, covered containers. However, vendors largely depend on bulk ice that is transported and stored in open conditions, with limited clarity about its source. Food safety officials do not share data on inspections, registered vendors, or enforcement actions. Public awareness of safe handling practices also remains limited. Attempts to contact district food safety authorities go unanswered.

Health Risks

Health experts warn that unsafe water, contaminated ice, and unclean utensils can lead to diarrhoea, food poisoning, and infections such as hepatitis A and cholera, especially during summer.

Source: The New Indian Express