KOZHIKODE: Makers of famous 'Kozhikkodan halwa' or sweetmeat have reasons to cheer. With the implementation of the Food Safety and Standard Act 2006, they are hoping a change in their fortunes.
The demand for sweetmeat had fallen drastically last year after the health authorities raided a few shops based on complaints of unhygienic conditions. But now with the new act that stipulates stringent hygiene measures set to be implemented from August, the sweetmeat makers believe that it will increase their sales.
"The implementation of the act would transform the image of the industry. Improving the hygienic conditions would benefit the industry in the long run," said V V Saleem, owner of the Viva Halwa Products. It will also help the firms stand up to competitions from major players.
According to Dinesh Babu of Sankaran Bakery, hygiene is key to sweetmeat making and the act if enforced well would improve quality.
D Sivakumar, designated officer, Food Safety, Kozhikode, said the act strictly stipulates that locations and surroundings of the manufacturing units should be clean. It also stipulates hygiene of equipment, air quality and ventilations in the units and use of portable water, and maintaining records on raw materials procured. The official said currently most halwa makers use low-quality packaging materials. But the new act directs makers to use food grade plastic for packaging.
"The act can be implemented only step by step and the conditions of manufacturing units will be improved," said Sivakumar. He said that some sweetmeat makers have already secured licence under the new act.
The sweetmeat makers are also planning to market their product through supermarkets with attractive packing across the state.
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