Latest news with #FoSTaC
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Food safety department holds awareness meetings with fast food sellers in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: In response to complaints regarding the sale of banned raw egg mayonnaise, and to clear the confusion about which types of mayonnaise are permitted, the food safety department in Coimbatore conducted a meeting with fast food sellers on Wednesday. The meeting was aimed at addressing food safety concerns, particularly the risks of food poisoning. FSSAI designated officer for Coimbatore district Dr T Anuradha said, "Many sellers lack clarity about the ban on raw egg mayonnaise. During this meeting, we informed them about the ban and recommended alternative varieties such as mayonnaise made with pasteurized eggs and vegetarian ingredients. Even vegetarian mayonnaise must be handled and stored according to safety protocols. We urged everyone to use fresh mayonnaise that does not contain raw eggs." Dr Anuradha also said the participants received training on essential safety and standard measures within the food industry, including the importance of proper waste disposal, pest control, and obtaining medical certificates for food handlers. She warned that businesses that do not possess an FSSAI licence may face fines of up to Rs 10 lakh and possible suspension of operations. Further, she said there are around 5,000 to 6,000 fast food shops operating in Coimbatore district, most of which licenced. 'This programme is set to cover these establishments zone by zone. We have five zones in the city and 11 blocks in the rural district. On Tuesday, we covered two zones, and the remaining areas will be addressed in the coming days. We also hold sessions for Food Safety Training & Certification (FoSTaC), as well as licence registration and renewal camps," she added. The food safety department also plans to conduct similar meetings with hoteliers and suppliers of packaged drinking water.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
FSSAI compliance stressed in Thoothukudi's new food safety drive
The Food Safety Department of Thoothukudi district has launched a public awareness campaign to ensure that consumers are informed about essential food safety guidelines before choosing an eatery. The initiative is based on the recommendations of the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration. As part of the campaign, the department has directed consumers to verify whether the eateries are registered with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and check for display of FSSAI issued hygiene ratings, Food Safety Display Boards and Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) Certificate. To emphasise the basic requirements at eateries, the Food Safety Department has released an advertisement jingle on social media to spread awareness among the public. Speaking on the initiative, S. Mariappan, Designated Officer for Food Safety, Thoothukudi, said: 'As announced during the 2025-2026 Budget session, we are implementing the project. The department has also been planning for interpersonal communication with consumers in Thoothukudi, Kovilpatti and other parts of the district.' While people might notice the FSSAI certificate displayed at eateries, they often overlooked other crucial documents such as hygiene rating certificate and FoSTaC certification. 'These documents are equally important for identifying trusted and compliant food establishments,' he added. Another key element of the campaign was the mandatory display of Food Safety Display Boards that carried all essential information such as the shop's licence number and practices carried out in the eatery to maintain hygiene. To reinforce the requirement, the department was also planning a meeting with food business operators. Additionally, regular inspections and public outreach efforts were being carried out to align with the 'Eat Right Thoothukudi' mission. The department was also inspecting slaughterhouses and meat shops across the district to ensure food safety and public health, Mr. Mariappan said.
NDTV
23-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
31 Cartons Of "Kenbey" Brand Water Bottles Seized At Manufacturing Unit In Telangana
Food safety inspections in Telangana's Medchal-Malkajgiri district recently uncovered serious violations on the premises of a packaged drinking water and milk product manufacturing unit. On April 22, 2025, the food safety officials visited Sri Sai Ganesh Enterprises located in Bolligudem. Firstly, they flagged the lack of necessary documentation, including pest control records, medical fitness certificates and FoSTaC (food safety training) certificates for food handlers. Other important records, such as water analysis reports as well as internal and external quality analysis reports, were unavailable too. The officials also discovered that the vehicles used for transporting items did not have FSSAI licenses. Also Read: Food Safety Issues Flagged At Juice Centres In Hyderabad, Three Found Without License Additionally, they found "Kenbey" brand 2-litre water bottles labelled with an expired license. They seized 16 cartons of 2-litre "Kenbey" packaged drinking water bottles and 15 cartons of 250ml bottles because they did not have labels. The food safety team made note of several other issues on the premises. They said that the laboratory was "not in a functional condition." The food handlers were not wearing aprons, head caps and gloves. The milk product manufacturing area was deemed "highly unhygienic." Houseflies were also observed in this area. Doors lacked insect-proof screens. That's not all. The officials found 38 kilos of Ajmer Kalakand without labelling and hence had to discard this food item. They collected samples for laboratory analysis. They concluded, "The license of the establishment will be suspended as per the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006." Food safety team has conducted inspections in Medchal district on 22.04.2025. 𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗦𝗮𝗶 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗺, 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗮𝗹, 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗮𝗷𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗶 (Package Drinking Water and Milk Product Khoa Manufacturer) * Pest… — Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana (@cfs_telangana) April 22, 2025 On the same day, the food safety team inspected another such unit called "S.R. Enterprises" located in Chengicherla in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Here, pest control records and external laboratory records were unavailable. The internal quality control laboratory was not in working condition, as per the officials. Medical fitness certificates for handlers did not have dates. Furthermore, the transport vehicles did not have FSSAI licenses. Multiple violations were discovered on the premises. A lizard was found in the filtration room near the tank. The floor was slippery. There was water stagnation in the manufacturing area. There was no gap maintained between the walls and stocks. The doors had not been closely fitted with insect-proof screens. Food handlers were found without head caps, gloves and aprons. The officials also observed that the checking of seals of bottle caps was being done without gloves "in an unhygienic condition." 𝗦.𝗥. 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮, 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗮𝗷𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗶 22.04.2025 * Pest control records not available and Medical fitness certificates available but without date. * Internal quality control laboratory is not in working condition. External… — Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana (@cfs_telangana) April 22, 2025 Before this, in November 2024, the food safety officials conducted an inspection on the premises of a bottled water supplier in the Kachiguda area. They revealed that they seized stocks of around 19,000 litres "for violation of FSS [Food Safety & Standards] prescribed norms". Click here to read the full story.
