Safe food to be ensured during Onam season in Kerala

Inspections by the Food Safety department would be intensified during the Onam season so that safe and hygienic food is ensured for the public, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has saidThe Food Safety department has begun an intensive drive from July 27 and so far, over 5,000 checks have been conducted across the State. Notices have been issued to 705 food business operators for violation of Food Safety and Standards Act, while fines have been slapped on over 390 food outlets.Special attention is given to the quality of food items widely used during Onam, such as papadam, jaggery, coconut oil, and ghee. Food Safety squads are specifically checking the label information on these products, including the manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, license details, declaration of ingredient