Tue Apr 29 17:11:24 UTC 2025: **Kerala Launches Month-Long Food Safety Crackdown**
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala – A month-long pre-monsoon food safety inspection campaign, “Operation Life,” will begin May 2nd, Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced Tuesday. The initiative aims to ensure safe food practices across the state, particularly given the increased risk of spoilage during summer.
The inspections, conducted by food safety officers and a state task force, will target a wide range of establishments, including eateries, markets, fish and meat stalls, check-posts, old-age homes, and childcare institutions. Surprise checks will be conducted to identify and penalize businesses violating food safety regulations, including those lacking proper registration or licenses.
Special attention will be paid to the safety of cool drinks, bottled water, ice cream, and ice candy, with inspections at manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and tourist areas. Businesses are urged to adhere to guidelines regarding water safety, storage, and transportation of perishable goods. Proper labeling of use-by dates and mandatory health cards for food service staff will also be enforced. Mobile food safety labs will be deployed to assist in the inspections.
Minister George stressed the importance of consuming only safe food and warned of strict action against food adulteration under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Kerala Public Health Act, 2023.
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