KOZHIKODE: Next time you stop at an outlet for a drink or snack, think twice. Traders' organizations in the city have come out against the food safety commissioner's directions to ensure use of good quality water in shops and appoint medically fit employees. They plan to to approach ministers and state-level officials with a plea to relax the regulations.
As per guidelines issued by the food safety commissioner to food business operators (FBOs), November 30 was the deadline for complying with the quality norms. The warning makes it clear that food safety officials will be able to inspect juice parlours from December 1 and cancel the licence of those who flout guidelines.
"It is not practical to follow more than half of the 20 guidelines," said Ashraf Moothedath, district general secretary of Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES). KVVES representatives said some food safety officials unnecessarily insist that FBOs use water supplied by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA). Traders also cite non-availability of employees as a hindrance.
The guidelines state that FBOs must test water quality every six months and keep the test results at the shop. The Food Safety Commissionerate also stresses cleanliness and medical fitness of shop employees. K Sethumadhavan, the owner of a cool bar at West Hill, said he bought water from different suppliers as it was not possible to ensure its quality. "Obtaining a certificate for water quality every six months is impractical," he said.
The traders alleged that KWA was unwilling to allow them non-domestic water connections and that applications of nearly 150 traders are pending before it. With KWA connection, it would be easier for us to follow the directions, they said. Meanwhile, district designate officer of food safety, Muhammed Rafi, clarified that it was not the source of water that mattered but its quality. "I don't know what persuaded the traders to come up with the excuse that they do not have KWA connection," he exclaimed.
"Each morning, we are forced to go to Palayam in search for migrant manual labourers as no one is willing to work as a regular employee," said Sethumadhavan, adding that it was not possible to present all such persons before doctors and get medical certificates.
Most shop owners said they are keen to serve good quality food and drinksto customers but refuse to comply with the directions. "Smalltime traders can't maintain the same standards as that of a high-class hotel," said Ashraf Moothedath, KVVES district general secretary.
"Though the deadline for complying with the guidelines ended on Saturday, we expect to get relaxation as we maintain a good rapport with food safety officials," said K Sethumadhavan, KVVES secretary.
As per guidelines issued by the food safety commissioner to food business operators (FBOs), November 30 was the deadline for complying with the quality norms. The warning makes it clear that food safety officials will be able to inspect juice parlours from December 1 and cancel the licence of those who flout guidelines.
"It is not practical to follow more than half of the 20 guidelines," said Ashraf Moothedath, district general secretary of Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES). KVVES representatives said some food safety officials unnecessarily insist that FBOs use water supplied by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA). Traders also cite non-availability of employees as a hindrance.
The guidelines state that FBOs must test water quality every six months and keep the test results at the shop. The Food Safety Commissionerate also stresses cleanliness and medical fitness of shop employees. K Sethumadhavan, the owner of a cool bar at West Hill, said he bought water from different suppliers as it was not possible to ensure its quality. "Obtaining a certificate for water quality every six months is impractical," he said.
The traders alleged that KWA was unwilling to allow them non-domestic water connections and that applications of nearly 150 traders are pending before it. With KWA connection, it would be easier for us to follow the directions, they said. Meanwhile, district designate officer of food safety, Muhammed Rafi, clarified that it was not the source of water that mattered but its quality. "I don't know what persuaded the traders to come up with the excuse that they do not have KWA connection," he exclaimed.
"Each morning, we are forced to go to Palayam in search for migrant manual labourers as no one is willing to work as a regular employee," said Sethumadhavan, adding that it was not possible to present all such persons before doctors and get medical certificates.
Most shop owners said they are keen to serve good quality food and drinksto customers but refuse to comply with the directions. "Smalltime traders can't maintain the same standards as that of a high-class hotel," said Ashraf Moothedath, KVVES district general secretary.
"Though the deadline for complying with the guidelines ended on Saturday, we expect to get relaxation as we maintain a good rapport with food safety officials," said K Sethumadhavan, KVVES secretary.
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