Thiruvananthapuram, June 12 (UNI) In the backdrop of several food poisoning cases being reported in Kerala, the Food Safety Department has conducted raids in 4451 hotels and shut down 80 for not maintaining necessary hygiene parameters.
A special drive ‘Operation Monsoon’ was planned to ensure food safety following complaints that food is being distributed in unhygienic environments in commercial establishments during the monsoon season.
Health Minister Veena George said the inspections will continue as part of ‘Operation Monsoon’ raid that began on May 2, and 80 hotels were closed so far for not complying with food safety quality standards.
Rectification notices are being issued to 592 establishments and compounding notices to 433 as part of the raid which will continue till July.
She said 1850 surveillance samples and 1054 statutory samples were collected for further inspections. Night Squads also conducted inspections as part of the drive. The inspection conducted from 4 pm to 8 pm, focusing on shops that are active in the evenings.
Apart from hotels and restaurants, inspections are being conducted in all establishments related to food production and distribution. The Operation Monsoon is being conducted under the coordination of the Food Safety Commissioner.
