Fri Apr 04 11:46:40 UTC 2025: ## Thanjavur Food Merchants Ordered to Display Expiry Dates, Improve Hygiene
**Thanjavur, April 4, 2025** – Thanjavur District Collector Priyanka Pankajam has issued a directive to food merchants in the district, mandating the clear display of manufacturing and expiry dates on all packaged food products. The order, announced at a restaurant owners’ association meeting on Friday at the Thanjavur District Collectorate, specifically targets sweets and savories sold at retail.
The Collector also emphasized the importance of food safety training, urging merchants to obtain FoSTaC certificates or employ certified personnel. She further instructed them to obtain hygiene rating certificates for their outlets.
In an effort to promote sustainable practices, merchants were directed to hand over used cooking oil to designated collection agents. The Collector noted that approximately 6,700 liters of repurposed used cooking oil (RUCO) were collected last month.
Finally, the use of banned single-use plastic packaging for hot food items like tea, coffee, sambar, and kuruma was strictly prohibited. The new regulations aim to improve food safety and hygiene standards across the district.
First Piper 