‘Operation Thelima’ makes headway in Kozhikode district

Over the past three months, food safety inspections in Kozhikode district have led to fines exceeding ₹16 lakh against numerous eateries for various violations. These include unhygienic food preparation, serving stale ingredients and not adhering to basic hygiene standards. The focus of these inspections has been on hotels, bakeries, street-side food vendors, and other local food establishments.

The drive is part of 'Operation Thelima', a special initiative by the State government aimed at enforcing food safety regulations. Food handlers are now required to wear gloves and hair caps while preparing and serving food. Inspectors have found food being prepared in unclean utensils and using corroded equipment, as well as food sold in areas with contaminated water.

Poor handling practices can lead to contamination by bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause severe illness. An official involved in the inspection near Malabar Christian College reported finding food items that had been stored for several days, such as stale curries, spices, spices mixes, fruits, vegetables, bread, and chapatis.

During the Beach Food Street inspection, one outlet was shut down, while six others received notices. The Food Safety Department's actions are under 'Operation Thelima', a statewide initiative deploying six mobile squads for regular inspections and immediate action. Penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act range from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh for supplying substandard food, and stricter penalties for unhygienic preparation, misleading ads, adulteration, and operating without a valid license.

Severe cases of food poisoning or death may result in imprisonment and fines, depending on the circumstances.