THIRUVANANTHAPYRAM: To ensure the quality and safety of food items in the Onam market, the Food Safety Department has conducted 637 inspections across the state. Six establishments operating without licenses and in unsanitary conditions were stopped.

Penalty notices were issued to 54 establishments and rectification notices were issued to 58 shops that were found to have committed serious violations. Legal action was recommended against three firms. Improvement notices were issued to six institutions. 72 statutory samples and 167 surveillance samples were collected and sent to labs for testing.

Inspections were conducted at distribution centers, hotels, bakeries, check posts of milk, and centres where edible oils, papad, payasam mix, jaggery, ghee, vegetables, fruits, pulses, fish, meat etc. are made. which are used in excess during Onam. No establishment shall be allowed to operate without food safety license. The Food Safety Commissioner has directed to take legal action against the violators.