Saturday, August 30, 2014
ഹോട്ടലുകളില്‍ ആരോഗ്യവകുപ്പിന്റെ പരിശോധന; 36 കടകള്‍ പൂട്ടിച്ചു
കോഴിക്കോട്: പകര്‍ച്ചവ്യാധിനിയന്ത്രണത്തിനുള്ള സേഫ് കേരള പദ്ധതിയുടെ
ഭാഗമായി ആരോഗ്യ വകുപ്പ് അധികൃതര്‍ നടത്തിയ പരിശോധനയില്‍ വൃത്തിഹീനമായ
അന്തരീക്ഷത്തില്‍ ഭക്ഷ്യവസ്തുക്കള്‍ കൈകാര്യം ചെയ്ത 36 കടകള്‍ പൂട്ടാന്‍
നിര്‍ദേശം നല്‍കി. 20 ഹോട്ടലുകള്‍, 10 കൂള്‍ബാറുകള്‍, നാല് ബേക്കറി, രണ്ട്
ഐസ് ഫാക്ടറി എന്നിവയാണ് അടച്ചുപൂട്ടാന്‍ നിര്‍ദേശിച്ചത്.
162 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് നോട്ടീസ് നല്‍കിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. 93 ഹോട്ടലുകള്‍, 39 കൂള്‍ബാറുകള്‍, 23 ബേക്കറികള്‍, അഞ്ച് കാറ്ററിങ് സെന്റര്‍, രണ്ട് ഐസ് ഫാക്ടറികള്‍ എന്നിവയ്ക്കാണ് നോട്ടീസ് നല്‍കിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. കൂടാതെ മൂന്ന് സ്ഥാപനങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് നേരേ നടപടിയെടുക്കാന്‍ ഫുഡ് സേഫ്റ്റി ഓഫീസറോട് ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്. 19 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങള്‍ക്കെതിരെ നടപടിയെടുക്കാന്‍ അതത് പ്രദേശത്തെ തദ്ദേശസ്വയം ഭരണസ്ഥാപനങ്ങളോടും ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്.
ജില്ലയുടെ വിവിധ ഭാഗങ്ങളിലെ 864 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങളിലാണ് ആരോഗ്യവകുപ്പ് പരിശോധന നടത്തിയത്. ഈ സ്ഥാപനങ്ങളിലായി 2588 ജീവനക്കാര്‍ ജോലി ചെയ്യുന്നുണ്ട്. എന്നാല്‍, ജീവനക്കാര്‍ക്ക് ആരോഗ്യവകുപ്പ് നിഷ്‌കര്‍ഷിക്കുന്ന ഹെല്‍ത്ത് കാര്‍ഡ് ആകെ 71 ജീവനക്കാര്‍ക്ക് മാത്രമാണ് ഉള്ളത്. ജീവനക്കാരില്‍ 718 പേര്‍ ഇതരസംസ്ഥാനക്കാരാണ്.
42 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങളില്‍ ഭക്ഷണം വൃത്തിഹീനമായാണ് പാചകം ചെയ്യുന്നതെന്ന് കണ്ടെത്തി. 29 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങള്‍ പകര്‍ച്ചവ്യാധി പടരുന്നതിന് സഹായകമായ രീതിയിലാണ് പ്രവര്‍ത്തിക്കുന്നത്. ലൈസന്‍സ് ഇല്ലാതെ 46 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങള്‍ പ്രവര്‍ത്തിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്. മാലിന്യസംസ്‌കരണത്തിനും മലിനജലം പുറത്തേക്ക് ഒഴുക്കുന്നതിനും മിക്കയിടത്തും സംവിധാനമില്ല. പരിശോധനയ്ക്കിടെ വിവിധ സ്ഥാപനങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്നായി 5,500 രൂപ ഈടാക്കിയിട്ടുണ്ട്.
അഡീഷണല്‍ ജില്ലാ മെഡിക്കല്‍ ഓഫീസര്‍ ഡോ. എ. സാബു, ആര്‍.സി.എച്ച്. ഓഫീസര്‍ ഡോ. ആശാദേവി എന്നിവരുടെ നേതൃത്വത്തിലുള്ള സംഘമാണ് പരിശോധന നടത്തിയത്.
162 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് നോട്ടീസ് നല്‍കിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. 93 ഹോട്ടലുകള്‍, 39 കൂള്‍ബാറുകള്‍, 23 ബേക്കറികള്‍, അഞ്ച് കാറ്ററിങ് സെന്റര്‍, രണ്ട് ഐസ് ഫാക്ടറികള്‍ എന്നിവയ്ക്കാണ് നോട്ടീസ് നല്‍കിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. കൂടാതെ മൂന്ന് സ്ഥാപനങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് നേരേ നടപടിയെടുക്കാന്‍ ഫുഡ് സേഫ്റ്റി ഓഫീസറോട് ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്. 19 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങള്‍ക്കെതിരെ നടപടിയെടുക്കാന്‍ അതത് പ്രദേശത്തെ തദ്ദേശസ്വയം ഭരണസ്ഥാപനങ്ങളോടും ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്.
ജില്ലയുടെ വിവിധ ഭാഗങ്ങളിലെ 864 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങളിലാണ് ആരോഗ്യവകുപ്പ് പരിശോധന നടത്തിയത്. ഈ സ്ഥാപനങ്ങളിലായി 2588 ജീവനക്കാര്‍ ജോലി ചെയ്യുന്നുണ്ട്. എന്നാല്‍, ജീവനക്കാര്‍ക്ക് ആരോഗ്യവകുപ്പ് നിഷ്‌കര്‍ഷിക്കുന്ന ഹെല്‍ത്ത് കാര്‍ഡ് ആകെ 71 ജീവനക്കാര്‍ക്ക് മാത്രമാണ് ഉള്ളത്. ജീവനക്കാരില്‍ 718 പേര്‍ ഇതരസംസ്ഥാനക്കാരാണ്.
42 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങളില്‍ ഭക്ഷണം വൃത്തിഹീനമായാണ് പാചകം ചെയ്യുന്നതെന്ന് കണ്ടെത്തി. 29 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങള്‍ പകര്‍ച്ചവ്യാധി പടരുന്നതിന് സഹായകമായ രീതിയിലാണ് പ്രവര്‍ത്തിക്കുന്നത്. ലൈസന്‍സ് ഇല്ലാതെ 46 സ്ഥാപനങ്ങള്‍ പ്രവര്‍ത്തിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്. മാലിന്യസംസ്‌കരണത്തിനും മലിനജലം പുറത്തേക്ക് ഒഴുക്കുന്നതിനും മിക്കയിടത്തും സംവിധാനമില്ല. പരിശോധനയ്ക്കിടെ വിവിധ സ്ഥാപനങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്നായി 5,500 രൂപ ഈടാക്കിയിട്ടുണ്ട്.
അഡീഷണല്‍ ജില്ലാ മെഡിക്കല്‍ ഓഫീസര്‍ ഡോ. എ. സാബു, ആര്‍.സി.എച്ച്. ഓഫീസര്‍ ഡോ. ആശാദേവി എന്നിവരുടെ നേതൃത്വത്തിലുള്ള സംഘമാണ് പരിശോധന നടത്തിയത്.
Source:http://www.mathrubhumi.com
Notification on alcohol; Rs 100 cr. imported liquor stuck with Customs
Even
before the onset of the festive season, when the demand for alcohol
peaks, importers and distributors of wines and liquors in the country
are running 40 to 50 per cent out of stock as 100 containers of these
beverages worth Rs 100 crore are stuck with the Customs.
In this regard, possible roadblock for them is a July 15, 2014, notification by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued further to regulations that make it mandatory for all foods and alcoholic beverages in the country to mention on their labels all ingredients used either in English or Devnagri.
The notification applies to alcoholic beverages containing additives including colour, water, and preservatives. They need to carry labels mentioning the details of ingredients.
But most importers and distributors are finding it difficult to adhere to the notification as they cannot insist on the manufacturers to provide them detailed labelling, India being a small market for them. The result being importers and distributors are faced with consignments that are either stuck or rejected and mounting losses as they are not able to cash in on the festive demand.
A source from Mumbai-based Fine Wines n More India, on the condition of anonymity, lists out their difficulties, “All my global imports have halted. I was to get shipments from Argentina, Chile and Germany but we have had to put everything on hold because there is ambiguity and confusion on the new labelling norms by FSSAI.”
He adds, “The new rules which have been enforced by the food regulator require manufacturers to have labels in English or Hindi that list all ingredients. One of my shipments have been rejected for mentioning “Prodotto d’Italia” instead of “Product of Italy” and scotch whisky bottles were stopped at the Customs for not listing malted grain, water and yeast as ingredients.”
The source opines, “It will be very difficult to do business and import whisky and wines, if the dispute between FSSAI and alcohol importers, is not resolved.”
Meanwhile, Sanjay Dave, director (enforcement and surveillance), and advisor, FSSAI, explains the regulator’s point of view, “The FSSAI labelling regulations came into existence in August 2011 but were enforced in March 2014. And these regulations are in line with international norms.”
But reluctantly admits, “Yes, some of the rules are intricate. But some of the requirements have also been suspended like now there is no need for sticker mentioning veg or non-veg on alcohol.”
He adds, “And these rules are not only for foreign counterparts but also applicable for Indian alcohol manufacturers, so there is no discrimination.”
While Dave defends the notification, Aashish Kasbekar, specialist in clearing alcohol consignments through Indian Customs, points out, “In Mid-May and June, the issue which cropped up was about mentioning the list of ingredients on whisky, rum, wine and other alcoholic beverages.”
He explains, “Now due to these norms, importers are facing lots of problems. There stocks have been stuck at the Customs.”
He reasons, “The issue is that FSSAI has brought strict norms. Suppose a product named Cognac has been imported, which is Scotland brandy, the FSSAI will reject it on the ground that they don't identify Cognac, and hence, the shipment is kept on hold. Same way, the food authority says that they don't know what Tequila is and therefore manufacturers will have to explain in detail what it means.”
He states, “Importers are losing hope and FSSAI is very rigid and will not relax the norms further. So in the days to come the problem remains for alcohol importers and manufacturers.”
When asked how many shipments were on hold at the Customs, Kasbekar sums up, “Volume-wise there are around 100 containers and each container contains 700-800 cases. It means 7 lakh bottles of whisky, wine and other alcoholic beverages costing more than Rs 100 crore are stuck in Customs due to the strict norms and regulations by FSSAI.”
In this regard, possible roadblock for them is a July 15, 2014, notification by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued further to regulations that make it mandatory for all foods and alcoholic beverages in the country to mention on their labels all ingredients used either in English or Devnagri.
The notification applies to alcoholic beverages containing additives including colour, water, and preservatives. They need to carry labels mentioning the details of ingredients.
But most importers and distributors are finding it difficult to adhere to the notification as they cannot insist on the manufacturers to provide them detailed labelling, India being a small market for them. The result being importers and distributors are faced with consignments that are either stuck or rejected and mounting losses as they are not able to cash in on the festive demand.
A source from Mumbai-based Fine Wines n More India, on the condition of anonymity, lists out their difficulties, “All my global imports have halted. I was to get shipments from Argentina, Chile and Germany but we have had to put everything on hold because there is ambiguity and confusion on the new labelling norms by FSSAI.”
He adds, “The new rules which have been enforced by the food regulator require manufacturers to have labels in English or Hindi that list all ingredients. One of my shipments have been rejected for mentioning “Prodotto d’Italia” instead of “Product of Italy” and scotch whisky bottles were stopped at the Customs for not listing malted grain, water and yeast as ingredients.”
The source opines, “It will be very difficult to do business and import whisky and wines, if the dispute between FSSAI and alcohol importers, is not resolved.”
Meanwhile, Sanjay Dave, director (enforcement and surveillance), and advisor, FSSAI, explains the regulator’s point of view, “The FSSAI labelling regulations came into existence in August 2011 but were enforced in March 2014. And these regulations are in line with international norms.”
But reluctantly admits, “Yes, some of the rules are intricate. But some of the requirements have also been suspended like now there is no need for sticker mentioning veg or non-veg on alcohol.”
He adds, “And these rules are not only for foreign counterparts but also applicable for Indian alcohol manufacturers, so there is no discrimination.”
While Dave defends the notification, Aashish Kasbekar, specialist in clearing alcohol consignments through Indian Customs, points out, “In Mid-May and June, the issue which cropped up was about mentioning the list of ingredients on whisky, rum, wine and other alcoholic beverages.”
He explains, “Now due to these norms, importers are facing lots of problems. There stocks have been stuck at the Customs.”
He reasons, “The issue is that FSSAI has brought strict norms. Suppose a product named Cognac has been imported, which is Scotland brandy, the FSSAI will reject it on the ground that they don't identify Cognac, and hence, the shipment is kept on hold. Same way, the food authority says that they don't know what Tequila is and therefore manufacturers will have to explain in detail what it means.”
He states, “Importers are losing hope and FSSAI is very rigid and will not relax the norms further. So in the days to come the problem remains for alcohol importers and manufacturers.”
When asked how many shipments were on hold at the Customs, Kasbekar sums up, “Volume-wise there are around 100 containers and each container contains 700-800 cases. It means 7 lakh bottles of whisky, wine and other alcoholic beverages costing more than Rs 100 crore are stuck in Customs due to the strict norms and regulations by FSSAI.”
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Samantaray term as FSSAI CEO ends; chairman likely to retain CEO reins
D K Samantaray’s stint with the Food Safety &
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has come to an end and now the apex
food regulator is looking for a new CEO. Samantaray was relieved on
Tuesday.According to sources with FSSAI, as Samantaray’s tenure
has come to an end, he will be returning to his home cadre - Madhya
Pradesh. Samantaray has had a year of association with the
FSSAI that begun last year in August. The reason for the short stint is
said to be Samantaray reaching the age of superannuation. The
ministry may announce the name of the successor to Samantaray in some
days from now, till then, however, the chairman, FSSAI, is likely to
retain the CEO’s reins with himself. Samantaray was the second
CEO in last two years for FSSAI. He had taken over after a gap of seven
months after his predecessor S N Mohanty left the job in January 2013.
Chairman FSSAI was also functioning as the interim CEO during the
period.Meanwhile, the process for getting a replacement has
already been initiated by the health ministry. It is believed that it
would take at least two months to get somebody who is appropriate to
head the regulator and carry out the complicated job profile of CEO,
FSSAI, who is the functional head of the employees at the body.A
source with the health ministry has revealed that the board of
selection has initiated the process to select the next CEO but it may
take two months for the process.
Source:http://www.fnbnews.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
HC sets aside MCDs public notice banning sale of edibles
The Delhi High Court today
set aside the public notices issued by municipal bodies banning sale of
sugarcane juice and cut fruits in the open without any licence, saying
the legislation is already in place to ensure safety and standards of
edibles and beverages sold by street vendors is maintained.
A bench of justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Siddharth Mridul also said that since a survey of street vendors has not yet been completed, therefore "no street vendor can be evicted".
It also said that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and its officers "are fully empowered" to ensure street vendors follow "the prescription of law as per the Acts and regulations".
"After going through the various Acts and Regulations (on food safety and street vendors), we are of the view that the public notices issued by the municipal corporations of Delhi (MCDs) need not be in place in view of the fact that specific provisions have been made with respect to maintenance of safety and hygiene of food.
"Insofar as street vending is concerned, subject matter is entirely covered by Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. It is an admitted position that survey not yet been completed. Therefore, provisions of the Street Vendors Act will be applicable and no street vendor can be evicted," the court said.
The bench also said that the public notices "are too general and special provisions are already indicated in the Acts and Regulations, which will take precedence".
"FSSAI will take action whenever there is requirement to ensure maintenance of food safety and standards," the court added.
The court was hearing a PIL filed by the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) alleging that the public notices banning sale of such food items were issued "arbitrarily without any relevant material in place and the same is ultra-virus to the parent statutory provision under the DMC Act.
Source:http://www.business-standard.com
A bench of justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Siddharth Mridul also said that since a survey of street vendors has not yet been completed, therefore "no street vendor can be evicted".
It also said that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and its officers "are fully empowered" to ensure street vendors follow "the prescription of law as per the Acts and regulations".
"After going through the various Acts and Regulations (on food safety and street vendors), we are of the view that the public notices issued by the municipal corporations of Delhi (MCDs) need not be in place in view of the fact that specific provisions have been made with respect to maintenance of safety and hygiene of food.
"Insofar as street vending is concerned, subject matter is entirely covered by Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. It is an admitted position that survey not yet been completed. Therefore, provisions of the Street Vendors Act will be applicable and no street vendor can be evicted," the court said.
The bench also said that the public notices "are too general and special provisions are already indicated in the Acts and Regulations, which will take precedence".
"FSSAI will take action whenever there is requirement to ensure maintenance of food safety and standards," the court added.
The court was hearing a PIL filed by the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) alleging that the public notices banning sale of such food items were issued "arbitrarily without any relevant material in place and the same is ultra-virus to the parent statutory provision under the DMC Act.
Source:http://www.business-standard.com
SC stays order quashing FSSAI advisory on imported food items
In what could have major implications for packaged foods and beverage companies, the Supreme Court has stayed the Bombay High Court judgment that quashed a product advisory issued by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to enforce norms on imported food items.
A bench headed by Justice JS Khehar stayed the HC decision after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India alleged that the impugned order has paralysed the mechanism to enforce food safety norms on imported food items.
The product approval advisory issued on May 11, 2013 made it mandatory for packaged food, beverage, health drink and supplement makers to disclose any ingredient or formulation change to FSSAI. The advisory was challenged in the HC as health product manufacturers and importers felt that the country's apex food safety regulator would mire them in unnecessary red tape.
The HC held that the May 11 advisory to manufacturers had no force of law and the authority had no power to issue the impugned communication without it being ratified by the two houses of Parliament.
The issue assumes importance as various bodies, including the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association (whose members include all top drug and health product makers in India, including Ranbaxy, Cadila and Jubilant Organosys) and All India Food Processors' Association (AIFPA; whose members include top food and beverage companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle, Britannia and Hindustan Unilever) are likely to file impleadment applications in the Supreme Court.
Stating that it had laid down the procedure for grant of 'product approval' for imported foods, for which standards were not in place in India, FSSAI said the omnibus nature of the impugned was such that it prevented it from granting product approval to imported food items that met the standards.
“The order has also had the effect of paralysing almost entirely the discharge of regulatory functions by the Food Authority in relation to all the food products that are specified under Section 22 of the Act,” Solicitor-General Ranjit Kumar said.
To ensure safe food and eliminate danger to human life, the mandate of the Food Safety ad Standards Act 2006 was to lay down scientific standards for grant of product approval to food products for which standards are not in existence.
Source:http://www.financialexpress.com
Monday, August 11, 2014
Strict ban on rabbit slaughtering in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The
hoteliers serving popular rabbit meat dishes as their speciality will
face strong action with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) issuing strict ban orders on rabbit slaughtering in the state.
In
the order issued last week, the FSSAI has urged the government to
strengthen the vigil and ensure the compliance of the order which
restricts slaughtering of dog, cat, rabbit and camel anywhere in the
state.
In the wake of the order, the
Commissionerate of Food Safety has given strict direction to district
food safety officers to launch extensive drives in the state to prevent
rabbit slaughtering and initiate legal proceedings against the
offenders.
Commissioner of Food Safety T.V. Anupama told DC that rabbit slaughtering was rampant in the state.
“Rabbit
meat is very popular and we have given strict direction to the squads
to keep a tab on this. No restaurants will be allowed to serve rabbit
meat dishes. Rabbit farms in the state will be under our surveillance
and strict measures will be taken to prevent slaughtering of rabbits,”
said Anupama.
Meanwhile, the
decision has come as a major setback to the animal husbandry department –
which owns rabbit farms and is extensively promoting rabbit farming in
the state.
“We will be taking up the
matter with the animal husbandry department. They are promoting rabbit
farming with the help of local bodies. A meeting will be held with the
authorities this week,” added Anupama.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
അച്ചാര്‍ ഫാക്ടറിയില്‍ വൃത്തിഹീനമായ നൂറു കണക്കിന് ബാരല്‍ അച്ചാര്‍ കണ്ടെത്തി
കോഴിക്കോട് മാറാട് കയ്യടിത്തോട്ടിലെ അച്ചാര്‍ ഫാക്ടറിയില്‍ വൃത്തിഹീനമായ സാഹചര്യത്തില്‍ നൂറു കണക്കിന് ബാരല്‍ അച്ചാര്‍ കണ്ടെത്തി. ഭക്ഷ്യസുരക്ഷാ വിഭാഗം നടത്തിയ പരിശോധനയില്‍ ഫാക്ടറിയുടെ പ്രവര്‍ത്തനവും വില്‍പനയും നിര്‍ത്തിവയ്ക്കാന്‍ നിര്‍ദേശം നല്‍കി.
ആകര്‍ഷകമായ പായ്ക്കറ്റില്‍ വില്‍പനക്കെത്തിക്കുന്ന ശ്രദ്ധ അച്ചാറിന്റെ ഫാക്ടറി കണ്ടാല്‍ പിന്നെ അച്ചാറേ കഴിക്കില്ല. ഫാക്ടറികളില്‍ കെമിക്കലുകള്‍ എത്തിക്കുന്ന പഴയ ബാരലുകളിലാണ് മാങ്ങയും നാരങ്ങയുമെല്ലാം സൂക്ഷിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്. ബാരലുകളില്‍ നിറയെ പുഴുക്കളും പൂപ്പലും. അച്ചാറിനുപയോഗിക്കുന്ന മഞ്ഞപ്പൊടിയില്‍ നിറയെ ചെറുപ്രാണികള്‍.
തുറസായ സ്ഥലത്ത് വച്ചിരിക്കുന്ന ബാരലുകളില്‍ തെരുവുനായ്ക്കളും പക്ഷികളും തലയിടും. മഴവെളളവും ഫാക്ടറിക്കുളളിലേക്ക് ഒഴുകിയെത്തും. വൃത്തിഹീനമായ സാഹചര്യത്തില്‍ പ്രവര്‍ത്തിക്കുന്ന ഫാക്ടറി അടച്ചുപൂട്ടാന്‍ ഭക്ഷ്യസുരക്ഷാവിഭാഗം നിര്‍ദേശം നല്‍കി.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
KHRA files petition in HC against raids and fines by health department
Following the continuous levying of raids and fines
by the state health department, the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant
Association (KHRA) filed a petition in the High Court against it.
Hoteliers and food establishments claim that the food business in the southern state is in crisis mode due to the illegal actions of the health department and conflicting health laws.
The health department had a strong wave of inspections, which led to closing down many hotels in the state after infectious, diseases, such as cholera and hepatitis, spread across the state.
KHRA already has 48 cases pending in the High Court. These were filed against various corporations and municipalities across the state.
However, the association’s allegations was denied by the health department, which informed to continue with the food safety drive.
P K Jameela, director, Health Department, Kerala, said, “The health department is conducting inspections all over the state to discourage the unhygienic and unsanitary conditions of hotels and restaurants.”
“We have already taken stringent action against a number of food business operators which were found to be violating the rules,” she added.
“Anybody has the right to file a petition in the High Court, but we are more concerned about the health and well-being of the people in the state,” stated Jameela.
“If hotels are found causing infectious diseases like cholera or hepatitis, we have the right to shut it down immediately,” she added.
“The department is following all procedures to set up by law. But for severely unhygienic conditions, we have to take strong actions,” Jameela stated.
Jose Mohan, general secretary, KHRA, said, “Food business in Kerala is in crisis mode. Hotels, restaurants and food business is constantly raided and punished by food inspectors, health departments of both the state and local bodies.”
“The officers, under the commissioner of food safety, the state health department, corporations, municipalities and the district medical officers (DMO) all visit our hotels to check hygiene separately. Most of them impose fines and produce closure notices without following any legal procedures,” he added.
The Travancore-Cochin Public Health Act, 1955, and the Madras Public Health Act, 1939 are laws that enable the state authorities to take action against food firms.
But many provisions of these Acts are contradictory to the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, which controls the food safety of the whole country.
While the Madras Public Health Act, 1939, prevents many items from being refrigerated, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) permits many of them.
No hotel in the state is spreading diseases, as claimed by health department. The association wants to ensure the credibility and hygiene of hotels and public safety.
“We are working with the sense of social responsibility. We are not supporting any unhygienic conditions in hotels or restaurants,” Mohan stated.
“But we want food inspectors and other authorities to follow legal procedures in taking actions. Food inspectors come to hotels with the media and declare it as unhygienic for simple reasons and impose fines or closure notices,” he added.
“Food safety officers (FSO) have to first produce a notice for improvement, and then allow 14 days to improve the conditions. They also have to collect food samples and get it tested in food labs before imposing any fines,” Mohan stated.
Hoteliers and food establishments claim that the food business in the southern state is in crisis mode due to the illegal actions of the health department and conflicting health laws.
The health department had a strong wave of inspections, which led to closing down many hotels in the state after infectious, diseases, such as cholera and hepatitis, spread across the state.
KHRA already has 48 cases pending in the High Court. These were filed against various corporations and municipalities across the state.
However, the association’s allegations was denied by the health department, which informed to continue with the food safety drive.
P K Jameela, director, Health Department, Kerala, said, “The health department is conducting inspections all over the state to discourage the unhygienic and unsanitary conditions of hotels and restaurants.”
“We have already taken stringent action against a number of food business operators which were found to be violating the rules,” she added.
“Anybody has the right to file a petition in the High Court, but we are more concerned about the health and well-being of the people in the state,” stated Jameela.
“If hotels are found causing infectious diseases like cholera or hepatitis, we have the right to shut it down immediately,” she added.
“The department is following all procedures to set up by law. But for severely unhygienic conditions, we have to take strong actions,” Jameela stated.
Jose Mohan, general secretary, KHRA, said, “Food business in Kerala is in crisis mode. Hotels, restaurants and food business is constantly raided and punished by food inspectors, health departments of both the state and local bodies.”
“The officers, under the commissioner of food safety, the state health department, corporations, municipalities and the district medical officers (DMO) all visit our hotels to check hygiene separately. Most of them impose fines and produce closure notices without following any legal procedures,” he added.
The Travancore-Cochin Public Health Act, 1955, and the Madras Public Health Act, 1939 are laws that enable the state authorities to take action against food firms.
But many provisions of these Acts are contradictory to the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, which controls the food safety of the whole country.
While the Madras Public Health Act, 1939, prevents many items from being refrigerated, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) permits many of them.
No hotel in the state is spreading diseases, as claimed by health department. The association wants to ensure the credibility and hygiene of hotels and public safety.
“We are working with the sense of social responsibility. We are not supporting any unhygienic conditions in hotels or restaurants,” Mohan stated.
“But we want food inspectors and other authorities to follow legal procedures in taking actions. Food inspectors come to hotels with the media and declare it as unhygienic for simple reasons and impose fines or closure notices,” he added.
“Food safety officers (FSO) have to first produce a notice for improvement, and then allow 14 days to improve the conditions. They also have to collect food samples and get it tested in food labs before imposing any fines,” Mohan stated.
Source:http://www.fnbnews.com/
Unaccredited Testing Labs Help FSA Violators Get off the Hook
The absence of Food Safety Appellate Tribunal, special courts and
accredited food testing labs in the state has proved to be a major
hurdle in implementing the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) 2006, in
letter and spirit.
The FSSA 2006 was enforced in the state on August 5, 2011. Adoor Prakash, who handled the Health portfolio during the time, had said that an appellate tribunal would soon be constituted.
The special courts were to be set up in consultation with the High Court and the Law Department. Three years on, the proposals to set up the Appellate Tribunal, special courts and accredited labs are still lying on paper, ‘Express’ has learnt.
“As of now we may not go for strict implementation of the Act. Only small penalties and warnings are being imposed and corrective measures suggested. But if a case similar to that of Sachin Mathew, who died of food poisoning in 2012, occurs we don’t know what to do,” said the officer, on condition of anonymity.
A provision in FSSA 2006 under Section 74 calls for establishment of Special Courts for trying offences related to grievous injury or death of the consumer. An official with the Commissionerate of Food Safety, told ‘Express’ that they held a discussion recently in this regard with the Director General of Prosecutions (DGP).
The DGP was briefed about the urgency of setting up a Special Court and Appellate Tribunal. The absence of accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for regional food testing labs in the state is also a matter of concern.
At present, the state has three regional labs in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. Each of them has to handle food samples from four to five districts. Lack of infrastructure and manpower is impeding the efficiency of these labs. An Assembly committee in April 2013 had warned the government that the process for NABL accreditation of three regional labs will have to be expedited as only reports from accredited labs have legal sanctity.
It recommended the state government to seek central assistance for funds to improve basic amenities and also directed them to speed up the process of setting up of Appellate Tribunal and Special Courts. But none of these were recommendations were carried out by the government. The laxity shown will result in restaurant owners and food manufacturers escaping the clutches of law due to lack of evidence, sources said.
Source:http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala
The FSSA 2006 was enforced in the state on August 5, 2011. Adoor Prakash, who handled the Health portfolio during the time, had said that an appellate tribunal would soon be constituted.
The special courts were to be set up in consultation with the High Court and the Law Department. Three years on, the proposals to set up the Appellate Tribunal, special courts and accredited labs are still lying on paper, ‘Express’ has learnt.
“As of now we may not go for strict implementation of the Act. Only small penalties and warnings are being imposed and corrective measures suggested. But if a case similar to that of Sachin Mathew, who died of food poisoning in 2012, occurs we don’t know what to do,” said the officer, on condition of anonymity.
A provision in FSSA 2006 under Section 74 calls for establishment of Special Courts for trying offences related to grievous injury or death of the consumer. An official with the Commissionerate of Food Safety, told ‘Express’ that they held a discussion recently in this regard with the Director General of Prosecutions (DGP).
The DGP was briefed about the urgency of setting up a Special Court and Appellate Tribunal. The absence of accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for regional food testing labs in the state is also a matter of concern.
At present, the state has three regional labs in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. Each of them has to handle food samples from four to five districts. Lack of infrastructure and manpower is impeding the efficiency of these labs. An Assembly committee in April 2013 had warned the government that the process for NABL accreditation of three regional labs will have to be expedited as only reports from accredited labs have legal sanctity.
It recommended the state government to seek central assistance for funds to improve basic amenities and also directed them to speed up the process of setting up of Appellate Tribunal and Special Courts. But none of these were recommendations were carried out by the government. The laxity shown will result in restaurant owners and food manufacturers escaping the clutches of law due to lack of evidence, sources said.
Source:http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala
Turf war between Health and Food Safety departments rages
While the Food Safety and the Health departments continue to haggle
about the jurisdiction of work on raids conducted in hotels and
restaurants, the government is still to come clear on a grave issue
concerning public health.
M.M. Abbas, public health activist, told The Hindu that the spat
was in the open because there was no State-level coordination. Only if
there was a directive to both the departments, the district
administration could coordinate their functioning.
The Health department, endowed with a strong strength of personnel at
the grassroots level, could either be redeployed or trained by the Food
Safety Department. The skeletal strength of Food Safety Department was
inadequate, said Mr. Abbas.
Senior Food Safety Officials told The Hindu that the raids were
conducted in violation of the Health Department directive. However, an
official indicated that the issue would have come up if the Health had
informed the Food Safety department and sought their cooperation too in
the raids. It would save the Health department of any legal hurdle, the
official said.
However, the Health department officials justify the raids as being part of the Safe Kerala Clean Kerala campaign.
Hotels are inspected to see if they maintain a clean and hygienic
environment while serving food to customers, said P. N. Sreenivasan,
district health officer (rural). “We do not have the mandate to test the
quality of food,” he said. However, what can be detected by naked eye,
like fungus on food or worm-infested foods is destroyed, he said.
Legally, the Health Department might not find a firm footing int the
courts, said Mr. Abbas.
While the hotels and restaurant owners are crying foul about the Health
Department not having a mandate to inspect hotels, Mr. Sreenivasan
believes that there is no legal hurdle in inspecting a hotel premises if
it is creating circumstances that could spread diseases. In case of any
large-scale food poisoning or breakout of water-borne diseases like
typhoid or hepatitis A, it is the Health department that is held
responsible, argued Mr. Sreenivasan.
Justifying the actions carried out by the Health Department for the last
three years, he said it had definitely helped bring down water-borne
diseases.
Compared to the numbers three years ago, incidents of typhoid and
hepatitis A have come down drastically from 182 typhoid cases reported
in 2011 to 8 cases so far this year, and from 274 hepatitis A in 2011 to
14 so far this year.
Mr. Sreenivasan says the nearly 400-strong team of health inspectors,
supervisors and technical assistants available at the grassroots level
are being deployed to ensure that food and water that people consume in
homes and outside homes does not spread communicable diseases.
On a regular basis Health inspectors across the rural area take part in
chlorination activity of wells and other water resources on the seventh
day of the month and inspect hotels every 15th day of the month, said
Mr. Sreenivasan.
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