Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 9 (UNI) In the wake of recurring deaths and multiple cases of non-fatal food poisoning linked to shawarma consumption in Kerala, the Food Safety Department conducted 1,557 special inspections and suspended 45 establishments found violating mandated guidelines.
The inspections were carried out across the state to ensure shawarma-selling outlets complied with government norms. The operations, conducted during night hours, involved a total of 59 squads.
Rectification notices were issued to 256 establishments, while compounding notices were served on 263 others. The Food Safety Department had earlier issued detailed guidelines for shawarma preparation and handling in the state.
Health Minister Veena George said all establishments selling shawarma must strictly follow the government’s food safety guidelines, warning that strict action would be taken against violators.
As per the guidelines, the use of mayonnaise made from raw eggs is banned in Kerala, and shawarma must not be prepared or sold under unhygienic conditions.
Additionally, under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, no person may start or operate any food business without a valid licence or registration, and health cards are mandatory for all food handlers. The public has been encouraged to report any complaints to the department.
In a related development, based on intelligence gathered during the shawarma inspections, the Food Safety Department conducted a raid at Polayathodu in Kollam, seizing 60 kilograms of stale meat.
