Food raid: 110 eateries closed down within five days, notices issued to 347 shops, 140 kgs of unclean meat seized

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has said that there will be no compromise on the inspections conducted by the Food Security Department in the state and strict action will be taken. The Department of Food Safety has launched a new campaign called 'nalla bhakshanam nadinte avakasham' (Good Food is the Right of the State) to detect adulteration in food items. As part of this campaign, inspections were intensified.

In the last 5 days from the 2nd of this month till date, 1132 inspections have been carried out across the state. A total of 110 shops were closed, including 61 unlicensed or unregistered shops and 49 unhygienic shops. Notices were issued to 347 institutions. 140 kilograms of unclean meat was seized and destroyed. The minister said 93 samples had been sent for testing.

Minister Veena George said adulteration of food is a serious offense and strong action would be taken against such persons. As part of the 'Good Food is the Right of the State' campaign, Operation Matsya and Operation Jaggery have been intensified to detect adulteration in fish, as well as food items such as coconut oil, curry powder and milk. She said raids would be intensified at check posts, shops, markets and food processing centres in the state.