THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The food safety department's action to close down establishments operating without permission, following deaths related to shawarma consumption, has seen results. During one month, 3050 food eateries approached the Food Safety Department for registration and license. Out of this, 2180 applications are for registration and 870 for license. This is the first time that the Food Safety Department has received so many applications in a month. There is no distinction between applicants such as shawarma stalls and hotels, as registration is given to establishments with an annual turnover of less than 12 lakhs and licenses to those above 12 lakhs. Not only those who sell food, catering establishments and manufacturers of food products also need an operating permit.

Apply online

Application for registration and license should be submitted online. The fee is Rs 100 for one year registration and Rs 2000 for license. Only the Aadhaar and photo of the establishment owner needed to be submitted for registration. In addition to the owner's documents, permission from the concerned local authority should also be submitted for the license.

Fine and imprisonment

If the establishment don't have permission to operate, the maximum penalty is a fine of five lakh rupees and imprisonment up to six months.

(Between September 26 October 10)

Total institutions examined -5764

Without license -406

Action taken -564

70 samples collected