Sabarimala pilgrimage: Will ensure license to food establishments, food safety squads will conduct inspections, says Health Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George said that license or registration will be made mandatory for food establishments in connection with the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The minister said that food safety officers have been deployed at Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Erumeli to ensure safe food and drinking water. The minister also stated that food safety squads will conduct inspections.

The food security department is carrying out major preparations in connection with the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The meeting chaired by Veena George evaluated the activities on Thursday. "Water will be collected from major water sources and sent to labs for testing before the Sabarimala season begins. At least one employee of each restaurant shall be given food safety training." the minister said.

"Special inspections will be carried out at Kumily, Vandiperiyar and Chengannur before the season. A temporary food safety testing lab will be started at Pamba and Sannidhanam in collaboration with the Devaswom Board. Trained staff will be employed here. The quality of raw materials required for making the prasadam will be checked in these labs," the minister added.