KANNUR: The decision to introduce grading for hotels in the state is still on paper. Grading system is needed to ensure cleanliness in the backdrop of recurring food poisoning and related incidents. The food safety department made such an announcement after a student died last May after eating shawarma at Cheruvathoor in Kasaragod.

The food safety department had also reported to the government several times that the reason for the recurring food poisoning incidents was the lack of cleanliness in hotels. The decision was to give A, B and C grades based on the quality of food, cleanliness and behavior of staff. Hotels, restaurants, bakeries and roadside eateries are covered by the grading. Prior to grading, it has also been decided to provide training classes in hospitality, food safety and food laws to the employees of these institutions in collaboration with the Kerala Institute of Travel and Tourism, Thiruvananthapuram.

The information about the institutions which get A grade will be given on the website of DTPC and Department of Tourism. Awards will be given based on the performance of the institutions that have received the grading. Institutes getting B and C grade will be given the necessary training and guidance to get A grade. These were all part of the announcements.

It was also decided to make social audit mandatory at least once a month to measure the cleanliness of hotels. A checklist of five or six items for measuring the cleanliness of the hotel was created and each was graded from 'very good' to 'unsatisfactory'.

The grading system, which was introduced with the aim of improving the efficiency and quality of hotels, was never implemented due to power struggle between various departments. The food safety department believes that the grading system will help to avoid repeated inspections and closing down of hotels in the backdrop of such incidents.

Six and a half lakh establishments, license for only half lakh

A total of six and a half lakh establishments have been registered in the state, including hotels, shops and bakeries. Of this, only half a lakh has food safety license. There are only 140 food safety officers in the field to inspect 6.5 lakh establishments.

Janakeeya hotels 266

Grading of 1095 Janakeeya hotels working under the Kudumbashree was completed last year. Out of this, 266 Janakeeya hotels were awarded A grade.

“The government is going ahead with the implementation of grading for hotels. The matter under consideration of the legal department will be settled soon.”, said G.R. Anil, Food Minister.