KOZHIKODE: In a massive food safety drive conducted in Vadakara region on Thursday by the health department of the Municipality, notices were served on about 26 food outlets. These outlets were found to have violated the food safety rules listed by the municipality. Hotel Milton located near Vadakara Bus stand was ordered to be closed temporarily for breach of food safety norms. Rs 25,000 was collected as penalty from the erring units.
According to K Divakaran, Health inspector, Vadakara, several anonymous complaints were received from the public, based on which the flash raid was conducted at various food outlets, including juice shops. “A few squads of officials were formed to inspect the outlets including bakeries, provision stores, fruit and vegetable marts, fish and meat stalls, and other food outlets. The major issue found in these outlets was the use of the same oil and stocking it for days”,
Divakaran pointed out. "In addition to that we also found chicken and beef that was stocked days ago and these meats were used mostly for dishes like Sharwarma and a few other Arabian dishes", he added. A week back, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officials conducted surprise inspections at seven snack manufacturing units in the City and ordered temporary closure of four.
They also gave rectification notice to two others. Kozhikode Municipal Corporation Health officials also conducted raids in nearly 50 food units in the City including the Government Medical College premises and Beach Road. All the roadside eateries along the Beach Road have been given closure notices.
