Thiruvananthapuram: The state capital will get eight more model food safety panchayats with the Kerala Commissionerate of Food Safety (KCFS) launching its effort to ensure safe food and encourage safe food practises at the selected panchayats. Pangode, Kanjiramkulam, Kunnathukal, Pallichal, Ottoor, Mudhakkal, Vithura, Manikkal have been chosen for the ambitious Model Food Safety Panchayat initiative of the Commissionerate.
A top official of the food safety said that it will be a year-round programme.
The initiative aims at ensuring food safety during production, procurement, and distribution of food and consolidation of traders involved in the entire system.
The initiative aims at encouraging food business operators to get food safety license, registration.
A top official of the Commissionerate said that once the initiative is launched all food business operators should get the food safety license and registration and should display it for public view.
The trader who doesn't get the license will be imposed with a fine of Rs 5 lakh and 6 months imprisonment.
Strict action will be taken against those adding artificial colour, Ajinomoto.
The food safety officials will be constantly monitoring the quality of water being used at the eateries, juice shops. Strict action will be taken against those using frozen stale milk for making milkshakes. Only packet foods with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India labeling should be sold and used by food business operators. The street vendors should keep the food items covered and in hygienic condition.
Usage of newspapers for packing food will be banned.
