Non-tax income in food safety department reaches all-time high, Rs 9.62 crores within five months

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George said that the non-tax income in the food safety department has reached an all-time record. From April 1 to August 31 this year, the Food Safety Department received Rs 9.62 crore as non-tax income. The department amassed Rs 7.71 crore in food safety license and registration fee, Rs 78.59 lakh through fine, Rs 51.51 lakh through adjudication fine, Rs 3.28 lakh through court fine and Rs 58.09 lakh as sample analysis fee. The increase in non-tax income has more than doubled in just five months compared to previous years. The reason for this is that food safety inspections have been strengthened, the minister said.