A Food Safety department official carrying out an inspection at a restaurant in Kozhikode on December 22.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
In a pre-festive crackdown, Food Safety squads in Kozhikode district have shut down 16 unlicensed food units as part of heightened inspections ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The four-day operation revealed several businesses operating without proper licenses or delaying their renewals. The squads inspected 176 establishments and collected samples from 62 shops for laboratory analysis. The initiative aimed to prevent food adulteration, poisoning, and illegal trade during the holiday season.
“Samples of wine, Christmas cakes, and other seasonal bakery items were taken to check for preservatives like Benzoic acid and Sorbic acid,” said Sakeer Hussain, Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, who led the inspections. He expressed concern over the misuse of preservatives, with some businesses exceeding permissible limits.
Mr. Hussain also warned about the dangers of food colouring, emphasising that excessive use could exacerbate allergies and asthma in children. “Food colours are prohibited in hotel dishes, but we found them being used in biriyani, fried chicken, mandi, and Al Faham. Cases have already been registered against several offenders,” he said.
To address these violations, Food Safety officials have urged consumers to remain cautious and avoid products from unlicensed manufacturers. Businesses operating without Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registration face fines up to ₹10 lakh.
The Food Safety department has instructed that all traders dealing in fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish—whether wholesale or retail—must secure FSSAI licenses to avoid penalties. This requirement extends to home-based and small-scale food ventures.
Published – December 22, 2024 06:49 pm IST