THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Veena George has announced in a meeting of top officials that performance audit and ranking will be introduced at the district level to make the operations of the Food Safety Department corruption-free and efficient. The performance of the districts will be evaluated at regular intervals. District level and circle level review should also be conducted. Follow-up of inspections will be reviewed at the state level. Speed of prosecution proceedings and accuracy in online registration of enforcement activities should be ensured. Food safety officers should not take long leave. The Minister added that increasing the staff in the Food Safety Department is under consideration. Health Department Principal Secretary Tinku Biswal, Food Safety Commissioner Veena Madhavan and others were also present.

Functioning of Food Safety Department

(Current Financial Year)

Total tests 64,692

Notices were given to 7414 institutions

Total fine collected is Rs 1.83 crore (5259 institutions).

26,615 samples collected.

1,85,448 registered.

35,992 licenses issued.

Total complaints 97,77

9615 settled

Hygiene rating given for 955

Total training programs 396

The places of worship offering food must obtain Bhog registration under centre’s law to ensure food safety. Registration for this is also in progress in the state. At present the final audit for Bhog certification has been completed in 17 places of worship.