Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 18 (PTI) Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Saturday said that, in view of rising temperatures across the state, the Food Safety Department has intensified special inspections focusing on drinking water sources, juice shops, and beverage manufacturing units.
The inspections, which began on March 1, have so far covered 3,641 establishments.
As part of the enforcement drive, 291 rectification notices and 219 compounding notices were issued to units found violating safety norms, she said in a statement.
Officials collected 506 samples of juice, cool drinks, and soft drinks, along with 118 samples of drinking and bottled water.
Additionally, 36 statutory samples were taken, and two samples were found to be substandard during the checks, officials said.
The minister said the inspections would be further intensified in the coming days.
With the onset of peak summer, the public has been advised to drink adequate quantities of water, even if they do not feel thirsty, and to ensure that the water consumed is safe and clean.
Highlighting a key health concern, the minister warned that contaminated ice used in juices poses a significant risk during summer.
Ice made from unsafe water can lead to various diseases, she said, urging vendors to use only clean water for ice preparation.
Special squads led by Food Safety Assistant Commissioners in the districts are conducting inspections across all types of outlets, from roadside stalls to larger establishments.
Particular focus is also being given to outlets selling items such as shawarma.
The minister further cautioned that strict action would be taken under the Food Safety Act against the sale of unapproved or counterfeit bottled water and urged consumers to verify the quality of packaged drinking water before consumption. PTI LGK SSK
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