THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special squad under the city corporation on Tuesday carried out extensive inspections at eateries in the state capital and sealed three hotels for not maintaining hygiene. The inspections were held as part of the corporation’s ‘Subhojanam’ initiative – which aims at ensuring safe food and cleanliness at eateries. The squads inspected a total of 52 eateries and served notices to 47 eateries for various violations.
According to officials, the prime focus of the squad was to check whether proper segregation is happening at each eatery. “We have roped in agencies to cart away non-household waste. They will take only segregated waste. We have given registration for 19 agencies and the hoteliers can book their services to dispose of the waste generated at their hotel,” said health standing committee chairman K Sreekumar.
Around four special squads were constituted for carrying out the special drive. As part of the initiative, the civic body is also planning to provide special training and ID cards for food handlers at hotels. “Only people with ID issued by us would be allowed to work at hotels, bakeries, Tea-stalls and catering units. Medical checkups would be carried out before issuing the ID. Special training on best hygienic practices would be imparted for registered food handlers,” said Mr Sreekumar.
