Jun 19, 2018
Majority of wayside eateries in Kochi are in unhygienic conditions
Kochi is witnessing a rise in wayside eateries but the majority of them function in unhygienic conditions.
KOCHI: When it comes to taste, street food has little competition. The piping hot dosas, spicy chicken curry and tasty kappa can leave you wanting more. But before you drool over these delicious dishes, give a thought about its hygiene or the apparent lack of it.
With the onset of monsoon, the already unhygienic conditions in which most ‘thattukadas’ function have worsened, thanks to overflowing drains infested with rats. The rise in the number of food poisoning cases attests to the fact that despite Kochi embarking on development mode, the state of roadside eateries remain the same.
Many people, including late night professionals, rely on wayside eateries due to its working hours and cheap rates. “Since we moved to Kochi, we rely on eateries in the city. However, a dinner of dosa and chutney from a wayside eatery at Kacheripady left me with a severe stomach ache and vomiting. I had to rush to the hospital, upon which the doctor confirmed that it was a result of food poisoning,” said Vinitha S, a professional. Like her, many who are forced to eat from such eateries are served a raw deal.
“The authorities take actions against such unhygienic food outlets only when someone gets admitted in hospitals,” she said.
No registration
Due to a huge demand, wayside eateries mushroom on every nook and cranny in the city and the majority of them function without the Corporation licence.While allegations are rife that the authorities are doing nothing, they say inspections and raids are being carried out. “With rainy season setting in, we have started procedures to ensure that the roadside eateries maintain hygiene. Last month, we conducted checks at food outlets near High Court Junction and Boat Jetty. Several shops were found without registration,” said Food Safety Officer, Ernakulam Division, Dileep P B.
He added that the Food Safety Authority has given a week’s time for shops without proper registration to get the necessary clearance and if they fail to do so, action will be taken against them.“We are doing everything possible. The hygiene of the food outlets near roadsides is of utmost importance. Random samples will be collected from shops for inspection,” added Dileep. The Corporation has also ensured strict action. “Those who suffered food poisoning must report to the Corporation giving the details of the shop and the area,” said Health Standing Committee chairperson Minimol V K.
Reusing oil and unclean water
One main advantage of wayside eateries is that the food made is sold out soon but the same can’t be said about oil. “The oil is reused many times before disposing of. Not just the oil, even the ingredients can be harmful, like food colours and other chemicals. Since the food is served hot, the taste is masked. But, the damage is done,” says Vishal Chandra, a chef.
Besides, there is also a rampant use of undercooked meat and water from unclean sources. “In most case, it is the use of contaminated drinking water that causes food poisoning. The cleanliness of people who serve it is also important. Many may not be aware of this, but people with typhoid can transmit it to others through their hands and mugs used to wash,” said Dr Stephen George, a practitioner at Kolencherry.
Notices served on 11 shops
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Monday served notices on 11 shops for various irregularities such as failure to obtain FSSAI license, adulteration of food, storage of rotten fruits and vegetables and other unhygienic practices.
The shops have been asked to rectify the irregularities within 15 days.
The irregularities were found during inspections conducted in 52 shops, restaurants, fruit stalls, bakeries and warehouses located in New Siddhapudur, Avarampalayam and Ganapathy on Monday.
The exercise was conducted as part of FSSAI's campaign for safe food in Coimbatore city.
Eight water plants slapped with closure notices
Surat: The food and safety department officials of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Monday raided factories selling packaged drinking water in the city and slapped closure notices on eight of them.
Those given immediate closure notice include Him Water Beverages, Healthy Water, Visat Beverages, Citizen Water, Raja Water, Radhika Beverages, Neer Water and Sunrise Beverages. The notices were slapped for not possessing the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and food safety certificates.
A few days ago, 22 such plants were given closure notices by SMC. These steps are taken following complaints of consumption of contaminated water leading to number of water-borne diseases.
According to an official from food and safety department of SMC, there are nearly 60-65 such small plants operating in the city.
“Till now they used to sell water pouches in huge quantity. However, with the ban on selling water in plastic water pouches, majority of them are selling 20 litre packaged water, which they call mineral water. Nearly 40 of them possess official license to sell. Others have been closed now,” a food inspector of SMC said.
Each of these plants sell at least 5,000 litres of such packaged water and SMC does check their quality in periodic manner.
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