Tough Stance Against Unhygienic Eateries

Raid being conducted at a wayside eatery

KOCHI: With several complaints against wayside eateries being reported in the district, the food safety department has decided to take a tough stance against those eateries which sell food in unhygienic conditions.

The shops which sell stale food and are making use of re-used oil, unhygienic pots, polluted water will come under the scanner.

As part of beefing up the drive, the department on Tuesday conducted raids in 23 eateries at Ernakulam south, Pallimukku and Ernakulam North. Besides closing six eateries, the officials also issued notice to eight eateries which failed to adhere to the hygiene norms. “The raid was conducted in the wake of complaints that wayside eateries in the city were functioning in unhygienic conditions. We will continue the crackdown in the coming days. Juice centres and wayside food stalls will also be brought under scanner. Since we are receiving complaints of adulterated food, we have also taken the samples of curry powders and coconut oil from several shops. Action will be taken only after getting the reports,” said Food Safety Assistant Commissioner K V Shibu.

Meanwhile, the department has also started raiding ice-canteens which run by local business men and migrant labours.

“Based on the tip off we have inspected 12 such ice canteens at Aluva on Wednesday. Raids have also been conducted on the houses of migrant workers but it is learnt that they are taking the ice from plants for making juice and other cola items. The ice samples from the factory have also been taken for checking,” added K V Shibu.

Meanwhile, the Kochi Corporation is also planning to conduct such raids in the city. “ At present we have issued license to as many as 374 way side eateries. Last month, we have started 36 women run kiosks. Only licensed eateries that comply to our food safety norms will be allowed to function,” said Minimol V K, Health Committee Chairperson.

A few pointers on sleep

• Six way side eateries near south railway station were ordered shut on Tuesday.
• Eight show case notices were issued.
• On Wednesday, a tea shop in front of Aluva railway station was asked to close down.
• Stale food, unhygienic conditions, re-used oil, unhygienic pots, no proper cleaning and polluted water will come under the scanner.