THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Food Safety Department conducted inspections at 429 restaurants in the state and closed down 43 of them following the death of Kottayam Medical College neuro ICU nurse Reshmi Raj while undergoing treatment for food poisoning. The restaurants that were closed included 22 eateries that were operating unsanitarily and 21 restaurants that were operating without a license. Additionally, 138 businesses received notices from the Food Safety Department 44 samples were sent for testing. 52 establishments received instructions to raise the standard.

In Thiruvananthapuram, 11 restaurants, including Buhari Hotel, were closed down under the leadership of the Joint Commissioner for Food Safety. Only 11 restaurants were inspected in the Kottayam district where food poisoning was reported. Fine was slapped on three restaurants. Notices were issued to three restaurants to remedy the deficiencies.

Meanwhile, Minister Veena George informed that 5,864 inspections were conducted in a week till December 31 as part of Operation Holiday of the Food Safety Department. 26 establishments were closed. The special inspection was carried out in connection with the Christmas-New Year holidays. Samples were also collected. The minister said that 802 establishments were given notices.