The Hindu : Kerala News : Crackdown on hotels selling stale food Law & order

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Kerala

Crackdown on hotels selling stale food Law & order

The Kozhikode Corporation has launched a drive against the sale of adulterated food at hotels in the city, writes Biju Govind.

The Kozhikode Corporation has launched an intensive drive against the sale of stale food at hotels and restaurants in the city. The initiative is part of the efforts of the civic body to prevent the spread of communicable diseases in the wake of the recent summer showers. The Health Squad recently seized stale food from five restaurants during an inspection.

Health Supervisor B. Soman said special squads would carry out surprise checks once a week. Raids will also be conducted on eateries, restaurants, cool bars, cafes and bakeries.

He said hotel owners should ensure cleanliness of the surroundings. They should take steps to chlorinate the drains and de-silt them.

Mr. Soman said health inspectors attached to 16 Circle Offices of the department have been instructed to check hotels and submit reports on their activities in all 55 wards of the corporation. Two junior health inspectors attached to the circle offices will assist them. The Health Department has been empowered to impose a fine of Rs.5,000 on hotels found selling stale food. It has also been authorised to issue show-cause notices against violation of the rules of the Corporation in maintaining health standards.

Action will be taken against hotels that fail to comply with the provisions, including cancellation of the licence of the shop and legal proceedings against the offender. Cases would be registered under various sections of the Kerala Municipal Act, Mr. Soman said.

He said the public could file complaints with the Health Department against hotels that sold stale food.

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