Staff shortage endangers risky raids by food safety officials in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: Space and even staff crunch is hampering the operations of the field-level food safety officials (FSOs) of the Food Safety Department in Coimbatore district. Several officers even fear for their safety as they carry out raids alone.
Many officials working at the block and municipality levels lack adequate office space and material assistance for safely storing their samples and files.
Many claim they are being pressured to meet monthly targets on seizing tobacco products and are apprehensive of their personal safety.
An FSO from Coimbatore rural district explained the 'monthly target' for tobacco seizures, stating that they are required to complete four raids each month.
Since 2023, these raids against tobacco products have been conducted with the support of the police in Coimbatore. For a first offence, a shop may be sealed for 15 days. A second offense can result in a fine of Rs 50,000 and a one-month sealing, while a third offence may lead to a fine of Rs 1 lakh, a three-month sealing, and the suspension of the food safety licence.
"We (one officer) cannot represent the entire department's duties in a particular block. Most traders involved in illegal activities are violent. We cannot manage the situations individually. We can manage during the raids with police support, but it becomes dangerous when we conduct individual raids.
The department insists that every FSO should carry out two joint and individual raids against the sale of banned tobacco products each month. If we fail to do so, we must provide explanations. This practice should be abolished across the state," said the FSO.
There are approximately 390 food safety officers across the state, with 23 officers working in Coimbatore. Their responsibilities include ensuring that food businesses comply with food safety regulations and standards.
"We inspect food premises, collect samples, investigate complaints, and take action against violations, ultimately protecting public health by preventing food-borne illnesses.
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