THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Food safety inspections have been disrupted due to lack of food inspectors in the Food Safety department.About 160 food inspectors are needed in 140 assembly constituencies, district food safety offices and mobile labs. Of these, 62 posts are vacant, including 54 in constituencies and eight in district offices and mobile labs.

Fourteen districts have mobile labs but eight have been closed down due to lack of staff.

The crisis was caused by promotions and the departure of those appointed to gazetted posts in other departments. So many posts became vacant within seven months. This stopped the weekly inspections of hotels, restaurants, bakeries, shops, markets and check posts in the constituencies. As a result, the sale of artificial and stale food items has started.

Food security checks were to be carried out efficiently during the festive seasons and during summer season. Checks to prevent cross-border smuggling of milk and fish contaminated with chemicals are also ineffective.

'Vacancies of food inspectors have been reported to the government. The recruitment process has been started through the PSC rank list. The appointment is expected to take place within weeks after the interview.', said Moni M, Deputy Director, Food Security Department, Thiruvananthapuram