Kozhikode food inspections lead to more than ₹1.6 million in fines

Food safety inspections in Kozhikode district have resulted in fines exceeding ₹16 lakh, equivalent to ₹1.6 million over the past three months, The Hindu reported on October 10. Officials identified stale ingredients, unhygienic utensils and failures to meet food preparation requirements.

Inspections cover hotel eateries, bakeries, roadside food outlets and other local establishments. Officials said people preparing and serving food must wear gloves and hair coverings.

Inspectors reported food preparation in dirty vessels and the use of corroded equipment. They also identified food sales in places where contaminated water collects. Poor handling can increase the risk of bacterial contamination, but the report does not establish infection at every inspected establishment.

An official said an inspection near Malabar Christian College found food that had reportedly been stored for several days. The items included curries, spices and seasoning mixes, fruit, vegetables, bread and chapatis.

At Beach Food Street, one outlet was ordered to shut and six others were served notices. The supplied report does not name the businesses.

The checks form part of Operation Thelima, a state government food safety campaign. Six mobile squads have been assigned to carry out regular inspections.

Department officials said penalties depend on the nature of the violation. Alongside hygiene failures, checks address food quality, licensing, adulteration and misleading advertising. The report does not announce criminal convictions or establish deaths caused by food from the inspected businesses.