Stale meat and rotten eggs; Search at catering center in Kochi supplying food in trains including Vande Bharat

KOCHI: A search is being conducted by the food department at the catering center that supplied food on trains including Vande Bharat operating in the state. Stale meat and rotten eggs were found in the center operating without a license of the corporation. This center is at Kadavanthra in Ernakulam and operates in an unhygienic manner. Complaints were filed against this catering center earlier as well.

A search was conducted earlier on the complaint filed by local residents that waste was being thrown into a nearby stream. The corporation authorities had then imposed a fine. The corporation authorities informed that they had issued notices twice to get a license. However, they have never tried for that. The corporation does not know about the owner of this center.

A foul smell emanates from the catering center. The corporation health department conducted an inspection after the neighbors complained again. Expired meat and other items were seized. Migrant laborers are working here.

A decision has been taken to close and seal the center. It is reported that this center was started a year ago. Food packets, including those supplied in Vande Bharat trains, were found here. However, no information has been received from the railway authorities regarding this.