THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite staff crunch and delay in getting lab results, the food safety department has been working round-the-clock at the National Games kitchen. So far it has rejected only two items - coriander powder and coconut oil - citing poor quality.
"Samples of coconut oil and coriander powder were found to be of poor quality and replaced. All raw materials were tested before the event. We have also asked cooks to wear caps and gloves," said food safety commissioner T V Anupama.
An official with the department said the samples of coriander contained more starch than the permissible level. Though the department collects food samples thrice a day, the results come only a day later.
Shortage of manpower has also affected the department's functioning. Despite deputing officials from other districts, the department could assign only 12 food safety officials at Thiruvananathapuram. However, the food safety squad is functioning round-the-clock at all major venues. Two squads carry out patrolling between 8am and 8pm.
The three analytical labs under the food safety department in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode have been directed to work 24 hours from January 28 to February 15.
The department has also roped in the service of retired officials to ensure more hands. "Around five to six retired officials have temporarily rejoined the department. They have been deployed for regular duties in other districts while officials who are currently in service have been assigned duties at Games venues," Anupama said.
The central kitchen of the National Games at Menakulam is run by the Kudumbhashree. The food safety commissioner said hygiene at the kitchen was satisfactory.
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