Kochi: Two roadside eateries operating in unhygienic conditions were shut down during a surprise inspection conducted by a joint team of the health department, Kochi corporation's health wing, police, and food safety department on Wednesday. The inspection was part of intensified disease prevention measures in urban areas.
Inspection Details
The inspection was led by District Medical Officer Shahirsha and covered 30 roadside food stalls and eateries in Ernakulam Town, the railway station area, and the boat jetty surroundings. The two establishments were ordered to close after officials found them operating in extremely unhygienic conditions.
Sample Collection and Notices
Samples were collected from eight outlets that failed to produce drinking water quality test reports and were sent for laboratory examination. Notices containing directions to rectify shortcomings were issued to eateries where deficiencies were detected.
Violations Found
During the inspection, officials found several serious violations, including the absence of health cards for food handlers, use of poor-quality drinking water, preparation of beverages using spoilt fruits, and storage of stale food in refrigerators.
Strict Inspections to Continue
Shahirsha said strict inspections would continue in the coming days. The health department also issued a set of stringent guidelines for roadside eateries, hotels, educational institutions, hostels, and care homes across the district.
New Guidelines
The instructions include making health cards mandatory for food handlers, supplying only water boiled for at least 20 minutes, displaying drinking water test results and licences, and maintaining proper sanitation standards. The guidelines stress hand hygiene, keeping nails trimmed, wearing head caps, serving food hot and covered, using only fresh fruits for beverages, and completely avoiding industrial ice. Officials also informed that persons showing symptoms of illness should not be allowed to handle food items.
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