Thiruvananthapuram: A special drive by the Food Safety Department took place in the school premises across the Thiruvananthapuram district. Health Minister Veena George stated that the department conducted a special inspection to guarantee the safety of food within school premises. On October 5, inspections were successfully carried out in 2792 educational institutions as part of a statewide enforcement drive. This action is part of a crackdown on people selling artificial colors in candies and beverages within school premises.
In the course of the inspection, 81 shops were shut down for various reasons. Notices were issued to 138 shops for operating without a license, and rectification notices were issued to 124 shops. Steps were also taken to collect fines from 110 shops. A total of 719 samples were sent for testing. The Minister stated that strict action will be taken against those who sell substandard food products targeting specifically children.
The objective of the drive is to guarantee the safety of food sold within school premises. The health department has affirmed that the quality of candies, soft drinks, ice creams, sip-ups, chocolates, and biscuits has been thoroughly examined. This action is a response to complaints concerning the safety of these food items. The minister pointed out that the presence of artificial colors and production under substandard conditions could have adverse effects on the health of children.
There are many shops operating in school premises in the state, and it is a must for all shopkeepers to prioritize the safety of the food they offer. During the inspection, complete information regarding the manufacturers and suppliers of items sold in these shops was gathered. Legal measures will be pursued against manufacturers, wholesale dealers, and distributors under the Food Safety and Quality Act if they find ingredients harmful to health. The Minister said that since the customers are children, strict actions are being implemented considering the seriousness of the problem.
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