Over 4,400 Food Establishments Inspected Across Kerala as ‘Operation Monsoon’ Intensifies

Pathanamthitta: Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, announced that the Food Safety Department has conducted inspections at 4,451 establishments statewide during the current monsoon season. These inspections were intensified based on complaints about unhygienic conditions in food outlets during the rains, aiming to ensure the safety of food distributed. The Minister affirmed that ‘Operation Monsoon’, which commenced in May and will continue until July, will carry on with its inspection drives.

Following the drive, which began on May 2, the operations of 80 shops were suspended for failing to comply with food safety and quality standards. Additionally, 592 establishments received rectification notices, and 433 were issued compounding notices. For further analysis, 1,850 surveillance samples and 1,054 statutory samples were collected. As part of the drive, a ‘Night Squad’ also conducted inspections, focusing on establishments active in the evenings, from 4 PM to 8 PM.

Strict Directives for Food Hygiene

‘Operation Monsoon’ encompasses inspections of all establishments involved in food production and distribution, not just hotels and restaurants. The Minister warned that strict action will be taken if shops are found operating in unhygienic conditions during the monsoon.

Key directives issued include:

• Food preparation and distribution must occur in hygienic surroundings.
• The purity of water used in establishments must be ensured.
• Cooked food should be stored in a clean environment.
• Online food delivery services must also meticulously ensure hygienic food handling.
• Night stalls (thattukadas) and similar establishments operating at night are urged to pay extra attention to food distribution hygiene.