Kerala Government Made Food Security License Mandatory for All Eateries

The state government of Kerala made a food security license mandatory for all eateries across the state. It was announced by the state’s Health Minister Ms.Veena George after having a discussion with the Food Safety Department officials in a high-level meeting.

The move comes as part of a campaign to ensure the health and hygiene of food for all, in the wake of growing incidents of food poisoning in several parts. This move is initiated to prevent infectious disease outbreaks in the states.

As per the new notification all hotels, restaurants, and eateries must obtain a food safety registration or license within three months and display it prominently along with the toll-free number of the Food Safety Department.

To ensure the success of this initiative, regular inspections on checking the quality in all Food Business Operators (FBO) would be triggered and a system would be developed where the public can upload complaints along with photographs. FBO includes hotels, restaurants, and eateries.

Shops that were issued closure notices may be allowed to reopen only if the food safety norms are being followed without fail and strict follow-up measures should be taken to ensure that the offenses are not repeated.

The state government recently launched ‘Operation Matsya’ as part of the campaign called ‘Nalla Bhakshnam Nadinte Avakasam’ (Good food is the right of the people) to inspect for the adulterated fish.

   Important points for the exam:

• The state government of Kerala made a food security license mandatory for all eateries across the state.
• The initiative comes as part of a campaign called ‘Nalla Bhakshnam Nadinte Avakasam’. Under this campaign, ‘Operation Matsya’ was launched.
• As per the new notification, the Food Business Operators (FBO) - hotels, restaurants, and eateries - must obtain a food safety registration or license within three months and display it prominently along with the toll-free number of the Food Safety Department.
• To ensure the success of this initiative, regular inspections on checking the quality in all FBOs would be triggered and a system would be developed where the public can upload complaints along with photographs.
• Recently, the state recorded a few cases of Tomato flu or tomato fever. It is a rare viral disease-causing red-colored rashes, skin irritation, and dehydration among kids under five years of age.

   Facts to know:

• Operation Matsya was launched to inspect for the adulterated fish across the state.
• Governor of Kerala: Mr.Arif Mohammad Khan.
• Chief Minister of Kerala: Mr.Pinarayi Vijayan.
• Classical dances of Kerala: Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.