Doctors issuing fake medical certificates pose threat to food safety in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, June 27 (UNI) Doctors issuing fake medical certificates to hotel employees have undermined the Kerala Health Department's efforts to ensure food safety standards.
Citing incidents where hotel employees were found in possession of fake medical certificates at several locations, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has directed the Health Department and the Food Safety Department to conduct a statewide inspection of health cards.
The directive follows a report from Pathanamthitta, where an inspection by the Health Department raised suspicions that a catering unit had obtained fake health cards from a laboratory. Subsequently, the minister ordered a comprehensive investigation along with statewide inspections.
As per the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, it is mandatory for all employees working in food establishments to possess a valid health card. To facilitate this, Karunya pharmacies are providing the typhoid vaccine at a highly affordable rate.
Establishments found employing workers without a valid health card or with fake medical certificates will have their licences cancelled, the minister warned.
She further stated that legal action will be taken against doctors issuing fake medical certificates, including the suspension of their licences.
Health cards are issued after medical examinations to ensure that individuals involved in food preparation and distribution are free from contagious diseases.
This is crucial, as viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms can be transmitted through food handlers, potentially leading to outbreaks of disease.
Therefore, medical tests are conducted to verify that employees are free from infectious diseases, wounds, skin infections, and other health issues.
According to the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, the medical fitness certificate obtained after the examination must be kept on record at the establishment.
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