Hair in ice cream, expired stock: multiplexes in Keralam’s Kollam busted for food safety lapses

Food safety inspectors in Kollam, Kerala have found serious hygiene breaches at two upscale multiplexes, Jerome Nagar and RP Mall. Despite their premium branding, the venues failed to adhere to basic food safety regulations. At one venue, inspectors discovered open ice cream containers tainted with dust, hair, and flies, a clear violation of food safety standards.

The mishandling exposed these consumable items to condensation, which could lead to contamination. Additionally, the management improperly stored vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods together in the same freezers, breaching segregation protocols. Expired milk packets were also recovered from the multiplex's freezers, despite claims that they were for disposal.

The establishment lacked proper labeling and failed to segregate the expired goods as required by safety regulations. The management was ordered to discard the compromised products and strictly follow food-grade containment rules. At the second location, the business was found to be operating without a valid food safety license.

The Food Safety department announced that it will conduct more rigorous inspections in commercial and entertainment hubs to curb substandard practices. Authorities have urged consumers to report irregularities, emphasizing that premium-priced establishments must maintain uncompromised hygiene and legal compliance.