Safe food to be ensured during Onam season in Kerala
Kerala's Food Safety department has intensified inspections across the state ahead of the Onam festival to ensure food hygiene and compliance with safety standards. Authorities are focusing on raw materials like jaggery and coconut oil, as well as online food delivery platforms and catering services.
Why it matters
Increased regulatory oversight during high-demand festival seasons is critical for public health and preventing the distribution of adulterated or unsafe food products.
Inspections by the Food Safety department would be intensified during the Onam season so that safe and hygienic food is ensured for the public, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has said
The Food Safety department has begun an intensive drive from July 27 and so far, over 5,000 checks have been conducted across the State. Notices have been issued to 705 food business operators for violation of Food Safety and Standards Act, while fines have been slapped on over 390 food outlets.
Special attention is given to the quality of food items widely used during Onam, such as papadam, jaggery, coconut oil, and ghee. Food Safety squads are specifically checking the label information on these products, including the manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, license details, declaration of ingredients, and whether all statutory labelling norms are being complied with.
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