Food safety measures eased; deadline to get health cards for hotel workers extended 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George said that according to the food safety standards, the deadline to obtain health cards for those working in hotels and food outlets in the state, has been extended till February 28. The assessment of the food safety department is that about 60 % of the employees of the food outlets have taken health cards. The remaining 40 % have been allowed till the end of this month considering the delay in getting health cards. This is the second time the time to get health cards has been extended.

The health department directed that all employees who deal with food items in all outlets like cooking, distributing and selling food in the state should have a health card. Apart from the food safety officers, the health inspectors of the health department will examine the health card. Health condition of the employees, skin diseases, visual acuity, sores and wounds on the body should be checked. They will see whether vaccinations have been taken and blood tests for infectious diseases will be required. Health card with doctor's seal and signature is valid for one year. The health card of the employees should be kept in the outlets.