THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Food Safety Department conducted a lightning inspection of the canteens and other food distribution centres operating in the medical college campuses of the state. Minister Veena George had directed to strengthen the food safety inspections following complaints of unsafe food being served in canteens and student messes.

102 inspections were conducted in all government and private medical colleges in the state. During the inspection, the mess for the students of a private medical college operating in Kollam district was found to be very untidy and the operation was ordered to be stopped. Notices were issued to 22 establishments like canteens, messes, etc. across the state. Notices were issued to seven institutions for the collection of penalty.

Some canteens and student hostel messes in medical college campuses in the state have been found to have failed to comply with food safety norms. Food samples are also collected for further testing.